Best way to overcome PTSD involving driving?!


Question: Best way to overcome PTSD involving driving?
I was in a car accident about 2 years ago in which I almost died.
I'm pretty sure I'm suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder from this accident, because even though it's been awhile and I got a new car, I still get so terrified when behind the wheel.
I shake so violently I'm almost incapable of driving. I have to pull over and try to relax even when driving short distances.I have panic attacks just driving to the gas station or grocery store. (It probably doesn't help that the car that was given to me for a gift is a stick shift and I don't know how to drive a car with manual transmission)
A lot of people tell me that if I practice, practice, practice, I'll conquer my fear and be completely fine, but I'm too terrified to even get behind the wheel.
It feels like everyone is furious with me for depending on rides but no one I know has ever been in a near-death accident so I guess nobody understands how wrecked I am because of it.
Is there anything I can do (besides seeing a therapist) to help conquer this fear??
I hate being so dependent and it's becoming costly to take public transportation.
Please, someone help.

Answers:

It's completely understandable to be afraid after your experience, but really the only thing to do is to keep driving. Tell friends that you trust about what happened and ask them to ride with you while you drive. And as you drive, talk to them about how you're feeling and let them talk you through it. If you need to pull over for a couple minutes to take a breath and get a hold of yourself...good please do that instead of freaking out on the road. But once you've relaxed, pull back into traffic and continue. Start with short distances and gradually get further. Don't vary them. If a couple friends you trust know about the accident, they may be less angry about giving you rides to further places as you get comfortable driving again.

I hope this helped. =]

psychology major



i don't know of this is sorta the same..
I didnt believe in god till I saw this film it terrified me into believing.. but I don't know if I believe I think I do.. Go to your GP ?




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