PTSD Car Accident (How to Recover!)

Do you have PTSD from a car accident? How can you recover from PTSD from a car accident? This video will help you understand the signs and symptoms of PTSD from a car accident, and help you understand what is needed to recover. Recover from PTSD avoidance symptoms, PTSD intrusive thoughts, PTSD hyperarousal symptoms using EMDR therapy, exposure therapy or CBT. EMDR therapy for PTSD from a car accident is highly effective. Barbara Heffernan, psychotherapist and EMDR Approved Consultant, will describe the best treatment options for recovery from post traumatic stress disorder. Help for PTSD from a car accident is available!
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This video was created by Barbara Heffernan, LCSW for educational purposes only. These videos are not diagnostic and provide no individual consultation. Consumption of these materials is for your own education and any medical, psychological, or professional care decisions should be made between you and your primary care doctor or another provider that you are engaged with. Barbara Heffernan is not available for individual consultation via KZbin, social media, or email, and provides services only in the manner mentioned above.

[@evelynfranklin6728]

I'm 17 & I got in an accident today and I still can't believe it, me and the other person involved was totally fine but the impact was terrifying, my car was ruined and I can't get the vision of me smashing into the car out of my head, my car was leaking gas and oil, it was smoking on the inside and I was terrified to get out of the car because i was in the middle of the highway but I did anyway. I was alone and this has never happened to me before. I'm sad that I don't have a car anymore and I keep replaying the smash in my head over and over and it's making me so anxious and stressed and I really didn't need this because my anxiety is already terrible.

[@yovanyy5787]

it’s been over a year, how has it been? i got into an accident not too long ago too and i’m 17

[@evelynfranklin6728]

@@yovanyy5787 It’s been so much better :) I’ve gotten back on the road and my driving skills have improved a lot. I still get anxious sometimes now while driving, especially on the highway. But overall, my advice is to just give it time. I’m sorry that happened to you, I know how scary it can be. Sending you my love

[@sendiishoe]

this just happened to me today, i feel like i won’t be okay to drive for a long time

[@kenanhacili44]

@@sendiishoe happened to me today also, i hit a mitorcycle with my car, and it was my fault i am literary shaking, but thank God nothing happened to him and me. I hope you also get through this, just letting you know youre not alone)

[@sgjay0451]

The exact same thing happened to me yesterday and I'm 18. Everyone was fine but my car practically blew up, how you doing now?

[@Cowgutz]

I’m not going to go too into depth but I got into 2 car accidents this year and it’s been awful to recover from. I’m still having nightmares, flashbacks, and all those things. I can smell rubber and the smell of the car suffocating me. I couldn’t get out my door and I kept yelling I couldn’t breath. I went deaf for a few mins because it was so loud. It’s just like those war movies with the ringing. It’s awful

[@michaelceja7565]

I also have gotten into 2 car accidents this year.. 1 I went into the back of someone at 50mph and 2 someone ran a red light and ran head on into me at 60mph while I was at 20mph.. I have felt PTSD ever sense

[@tobiex4861]

omg i keep remembering the smell of the hedge i went through (flipped the car) and the noises too. i'm so glad she mentioned it!

[@tobiex4861]

hope you're both doing better

[@bspalliero]

Huft uffiohtkfron. I HD’s baby a softer he’d did he tell cnifroulf Ford … etc.. soo much to hrezr once I promise I foulfeve🏌🏿‍♂️. I party again his lotptthitnunve invective you told mt thid a hungrier

[@pictoriavark]

this happened to me too this year and i feel so similarly! glad i’m not the first

[@cc-ly4vm]

I am really so depressed because I was the ONE AT FAULT! They say I DISREGARDED the traffic light and to me this is so shocking because I always OBEY TRAFFIC lights so how did I mess up so bad that it almost ruined my life and another strangers life. The accident wasn't that bad but I feel so guilty, I would never ever intentionally disobey traffic laws!! I wish I could tell the other person a big sorry. Driving to me now has become more difficult because it seems that even if you try to be the most careful, you can still make very terrible mistakes. Am so sad.

[@BarbaraHeffernan]

So sorry to hear this. Yes, accidents happen - that is why they are called accidents!! We all make mistakes, we are human. So glad the accident wasn't serious. I do wish I could help people not berate themselves so much when they make mistakes. It can be good to acknowledge them, so we adjust for the future, but to have compassion for ourselves as well. Also, it sounds like you are super conscientious, and maybe the officer made a mistake. Either way, I do hope you feel better soon. (Also, it is so clear you are a good person because you want to tell the other person sorry!!)

[@ricardoskerrett197]

I find it seriously difficult to drive again. Ever since I wrecked my car on the highway I haven't bee able to be behind the wheel, on the highway, for months. This is specially hard because I need other people's help in order to get from one place to another. The nightmares and the other symptoms went away after a short while, but as soon as I hit the highway I panic. I'm really looking forward to get some help, and I'm a bit hopeful.

[@enjuaihara7236]

i had a car accident 5 months ago and i'm still having nightmares and flashbacks. It's 02.40 A.M. here and i'm watching this video.. I can't even sleep. I had one more accident a few days ago and i'm pretty scaring rn. When i close my eyes i always see that flashbacks, sometimes i saw myself dead after accident. I hope we all get better soon. Thank you for this video. And sorry for my bad English :'(

[@potatoesvevo9465]

I envision myself and my loved ones dead all the time. It’s what hurts me most. I just want it to stop. I’m about to start crying thinking of it

[@enjuaihara7236]

@@potatoesvevo9465 i'm very sorry to hear that. Hope you get better soon. Stay strong please, everything's gonna be okay.

[@lollypop9119]

same with me. i almost had accident last week, and i can feel that i'm not survived. i feel like i'm already died there. now i'm not sure if i'm still alive or in a coma

[@enjuaihara7236]

@@lollypop9119 i'm soo sorry to hear that but it's very normal of you to feel this way because the incident is pretty new. It's okay to feel that way but believe me you'll get over it soon. When i first wrote this comment i couldn't even sleep at nights because of overthinking, flashbacks, etc. but now i can't even remember what exactly happened there so it doesn't bother me anymore. Just try not to be alone and spend time with your loved ones. Its gonna help you to avoid overthinking. I believe in you, you'll get over it too. Hope u get better soon. Stay safe

[@lollypop9119]

@@enjuaihara7236 thank you! yes it happened last week. it's pretty new for me. this is my first time and i'm so scared when i flash back the situation. i still can hear the hon sounds, the view, and the panic. right now my problem is, what if i'm not alive now? what if i'm already died and everything around me right now is my illusion? i don't want to died. i'm scared.

[@mollymurphy548]

In 2011 I was 15 and my sister was 17. We were in a car accident (my sister was driving) and my sister died. I just turned 25 and have since had so many “illnesses” I guess you could say, and this video brought me to tears. Thank you so much for putting this out on a public forum because so much of my life since the accident have been validated in this short video ❤️

[@Sophia-hp5ew]

I’m so sorry for your loss 🤍

[@lindadebow3052]

What a traumatic experience…I am so sorry 💝🙏🏻

[@tramynguyen3039]

I am sorry to hear your loss Hope all your best to you and may your sister rest in peace ❤️ She is watching and supporting you from above.

[@mightyroy2064]

I’m so sorry for your loss, hope you are well

[@joshuamcdonough2197]

i’m so sorry for your loss, you must be such an incredibly strong person. i believe in your journey!! keep love in your heart ❤️

[@festa0180]

Got in a pretty big accident today. Luckily noone else was involved and i got out just fine. Can't say the same for my car tough. I'm shivering like crazy and i still can't believe it happened :(

[@nottobecompared4099]

Festa01 I know the feeling. Just taking it day by day. Hopefully it’ll get better with time.

[@muqtazyamin63]

I got into an accident today....and i also cant believe it happened

[@evelynfranklin6728]

@@muqtazyamin63 me too it was really scary and I can't sleep I keep replaying the sight and smells of everything

[@muqtazyamin63]

@@evelynfranklin6728 i guess some new drivers just have to face it. I thought i was going to experience post accident depression for months but it only lasted for few days. Thanks to my dad, he told me that a car is just a transport and nothing more. That made me feel a bit better. I even punched myself in the face a few times because the car my dad bought me was a 2 day old brand new car and it wasnt cheap but i guess accidents just happen in life and what really matters is how you deal with those emotions. I also get repeated flashbacks just like you every time i get on the road even as a passenger and thats normal, it will slowly go away with time so for now just try to take your time to heal mentally and by the 1st week after the incident, im confident youll feel better. All the best🌄

[@evelynfranklin6728]

@@muqtazyamin63 Thank you! Yeah I was pretty upset because I don't have a car anymore, which sucks but I'm saving up for a new one. That's really good advice. Today I was on the highway with my dad which was pretty nerve racking but I think It's best for me to experience those uncomfortable feelings so I can heal faster. All the best of luck to you.

[@Z71AGEE]

Thank you..🙏🏼 idk how I didn’t die yesterday. God was with me

[@Z71AGEE]

Can’t get over the smell ... the sound.. my car.. gone ... just so shook feel so lost

[@BarbaraHeffernan]

So sorry to hear you had such a terrible accident.

[@Z71AGEE]

@@BarbaraHeffernan you help🙏🏼♥️

[@tobiex4861]

fr me too, we got thisss

[@adrianhansen2151]

Hi im dealing with the same thing right now. This accident actually happened to me last night and I just cant stop hearing and reliving the moment of shattering glass. I was in a car where the driver was drunk and I didnt know about it until after. The car flipped and rolled over until we finally stopped and landed on its side. do you have any advice about helping me get over this mentally because I can already tell this isnt going to be easy for me.

[@muahmagno]

i got into a car crash a couple of days ago in the HOV lane on the highway. the cars in front of me braked very hard and abruptly and i couldn't stop in time. the three other cars had already crashed right before i joined, but since i was at the back, the full blame was put on me, since they could've easily lied to their insurance to avoid paying. i'm now responsible for paying the insurance for the three other cars and my family has never been doing well financially. other people also crashed into my dad and my brother on separate occasions all within this year, so the payments are piling up. my car was the only one completely totaled, so i'm now a car-less, broke, commuting university student. my first car was a 2004 model, and the now-wrecked car was a really nice 2017 model. it was my safe space, but it's gone now, and i'll probably have to go back to a really old car model again - if i can even get the money for it. my mental health is only getting worse as i now feel even more like i'm just a huge nuisance to everybody around me, especially to my parents, who are helping me pay for the accident. i hide away from everyone and slave away at work because i feel so guilty and embarrassed for getting into a crash. i know it was unavoidable and that i should be glad i'm even alive and that nobody was hurt because i could've easily died. but my mind and my money were already not in the greatest places before, and this recent event has only made me hate myself and the unfairness of life even more. i'm struggling.

[@sila9291]

Hey, i'm on the same page as you 😢 paying for the other car.You will be fine though, tc of yourself. ❤

[@AnimeGirlYaoiChan]

My recent girlfriend felt comfortable enough with me to tell me that she survived a motorcycle crash (she has many scars from it) and she never received therapy for it and is still unable to get it, and I just want to do my best to help her to my ability. Thank you for this video, it greatly helps me understand her better :)

[@anaprincipe6352]

I had an accident 6 monts ago, ny car was destroyed, had to go to the hospital...I am did therapy because I was having so much anxiety, felt guilty, alone and could not sleep... I found this video, and I am going to listen this whenever I feel it is needed! Hope everyone who is reading this feels safe and has hope that everything you are going through will be better...

[@1217WICKED]

2 minutes in and I'm an emotional mess already - I thought I was alone in feeling this way.

[@BarbaraHeffernan]

You are definitely not alone in feeling this way. I hope this brought you some hope and ideas for moving forward. Wishing you peace and healing...

[@CarolinaSeville]

This is a very informative video. I remember I got into an accident when I was 17 and was afraid to drive after that for years. I got hit at a red light and pushed into the intersection. I was ok but that really shook me because it could have been worse

[@BarbaraHeffernan]

Yes, accidents can be super scary. Sounds like you are better now? Time can help, and, if there is any residual, emdr would be my #1 recommendation.

[@Jlocc8o5]

@@BarbaraHeffernan me too but I feel like it’s slowly gotten better but how can I speed up the recovery since a couple months back my mental clarity has changed I had a lot of brain fog and light appears very bright to me

[@waynewatanabe2207]

I'll be there 4u

[@theejazzroom]

wow same here!

[@charlie-jd3ls]

i crashed into my house a few days ago practicing backing up with my mom. i accidentally thought i stepped on the wrong petal and pushed the gas. very small damage but i still have been dealing with very bad anxiety and i keep replaying the accident. i’m so stressed out, i feel so stupid.

[@charlie-jd3ls]

and i just got my learning permit, i was doing really good driving for the last couple of weeks i don’t know how this happened

[@BarbaraHeffernan]

Hi Charlie: I'm so sorry this happened! But accidents happen, and you are just learning. I hope you can go easy on yourself. This is why people get learner's permits first and have to practice. We all make mistakes.

[@Minedude04]

Same but it was the wall of Grants Edit: thanks for this comment! It makes me feel like someone has been in a VERY similar situation than me!!!!! 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺

[@leahphiri8385]

I was in an accident yesterday and watching this video is literally describing what I am experiencing.

[@BarbaraHeffernan]

I hope this is helpful for you! So sorry you had an accident.

[@clairedoherty6790]

Thanks Barbara! I appreciate you providing this content, it’s been really helpful.

[@wikaiii]

"Forget the mistakes, remember the lesson" Also, I like the point 7:43 to bring you to be braver. Thanks for the information, barbara! Stay safe & be carefull while driving everyone!

[@brockd1487]

I'm 16, from iowa...I was in a wreck a while back, I was so excited to drive when I turned 16 and I wanted to be a mechanic but now whenever I smell and hear the similar things I did then I freak out and etc...

[@BarbaraHeffernan]

So sorry to hear this. Hope the video encourages you to know you can recover from this... Wishing you all the best,

[@twilightamadue318]

I crashed into someone 1 month after passing my test and it’s knocked my confidence completely. The first couple of nights were hell, I kept replaying the vivid image in my head if what happened and feels so guilty. No one was hurt but I think the guilt and embarrassment got the better of me since it was a really busy road and I had a “passed” sign on my car (lol). It got better for a couple of months but I’ve noticed these symptoms are creeping back in my nightmares and daily thoughts as well as heart palpitations. I’ll hopefully get help if this continues but it’s nice to read the comments and know that other people are on the same boat:)

[@treyduce1234]

Im going thru the same thing right now

[@suxgaming8910]

Same here, i passed the test but after i bump two cars parked on the side within the two lanes. My confidence in driving drop down to negative. I have nightmares and now having social anxiety. Cannot see directly eye to eye to anyone. Always avoiding the spot of the accident.😢

[@vincentsmit1935]

Same here, got my own car 4 months after the test and rear ended a guy at a stop light

[@jackiedenewitt2703]

I had a similar thing happen when I was robbed at gunpoint, years ago working at a drugstore. I avoided going into the manager's office with the door closed for ages, and had flashbacks of the situation - good to know EMDR can help!

[@BarbaraHeffernan]

How terrible! I'm so sorry that happened to you. Yes, that is exactly the type of event that EMDR can help with.

[@JaneStoller]

Theses are great tips Barbara. Recovery from PTSD is an ongoing process.

[@JohnDoe-fw9ty]

Thanks for the understanding.

[@caitlinkelly1791]

Thank you for making this video. This has helped a lot!

[@BarbaraHeffernan]

I'm so, so pleased to hear that. Wishing you health and healing :)

[@tylerscott3766]

thanks for helping me feel more like a person, barbara.

[@AnnaSvedberg12]

Great video Barbara! Very informative. I was in a car accident when I was quite young and can still get nervous with driving

[@BarbaraHeffernan]

Yes, unbelievable how long those feelings can last.

[@tonyathreet3567]

Very helpful thank you 🙏🏼

[@jade77777]

I believe I may have PTSD, because I’ve been in 3 accidents in the last year (within the past 5 months). All of them were not my fault. The first one was a rear end and I was fine after plus the person who hit me was super kind of apologetic. The second time, I was not driving and it was my best friend/roommate. She didn’t yield and hit a truck going over the speed limit and the truck swerved into the lawn of a house but did not hit the house thankfully. I was shaken up but my friend was really bad off. So I tried my best to just get over it. Then a month later, as I was going through a roundabout, I yielded. I saw no one coming I went into the roundabout and someone it me from the front side of my car. I didn’t even see them since they didn’t yield and they were going full speed towards me. We both swerved and pretty sure it totaled my car. Now I am really shaken up and fighting thoughts that I am bad luck/ burden since my parents have to help me through another accident. It’s unfortunate but I’m glad okay. I just want to get better and not feel like I’m the problem or that all of this is my fault.

[@dontatme7]

I'm very sorry to hear this, and it also proves how there are MANY more factors involved in PTSD from car accidents than just the physical injuries from the accident... But the physical injuries can be life-changing especially if those injuries leave you with daily chronic pain which then affects mental health as the injured person feels scared or helpless knowing they will not feel physically whole ever again

[@noturdad5354]

I just lost my mother on the 22nd of august in a motor vehicle accident. Passenger air bag didn’t go off. We were on our way home from work (yes we worked together in a housing manufacturing plant) and I went to pass a vehicle safely and I did, I pulled back into the right line. I went to do so again just trying to pass slower traffic running through a mountain. The other driver didn’t see me somehow and wasn’t paying attention, he was also sleeping and I was in the hospital myself afterwards for 9 days. I can’t ride in a car anymore without puking and just the worse part of the whole thing I obviously thought my mother was gonna stay with us, but little did I know she went unconscious immediately and passed away not too long after. I didn’t know this and I kept screaming mom and trying to rub her sternum for a response and didn’t get anything and that ruined my world. I feel I killed her and the media says I have to and it makes it no easier on my. I was screaming at the people that rushed to help us out to help me get her awake and they just stopped and started at me like I was crazy. I tried so hard to keep here with no help or avail. I chose not to take oxy that the docs prescribed and I can’t see anything any other way than it was my fault. The crash and events that followed after have just been playing back in my head, I’ve come to terms with her not being here, but I can’t release these images of her passing in my arms and the men around the vehicle just starring and thinking I was insane. They tried to get me to stay in the vehicle because that’s the right thing to do but I almost stopped breathing. The left lung is larger and that happened to be the lung that had collapsed and breathing the smoke was decreasing my oxygen aggressively and I almost passed out to find out that if I had, both of us wouldn’t have made it. As soon as everyone found the hospital I was at, I couldn’t help but tell everyone I was sorry and it’s all my fault. Again I’ve come to terms she’s not with us anymore, but I can’t help but feel this was all my fault. May you forever rest in peace mom and please never leave our sides and forever watch us as we continue growing we all love and miss you

[@CoachSimona]

Great tips, Barbara! Recovering from PTSD is never an easy process, so it's important to know how to handle the flashbacks.

[@BarbaraHeffernan]

Yes, it is - I might even phrase it as "how to recover from flashbacks" because they truly can go away with the right treatment!

[@DC-wp8cr]

Your video feels like a life saver right now

[@Sum-zb7yu]

I get a paralyzing fear almost feeling like I’m gonna blackout if there’s a lot of moving cars around me ,scared to drive and scared to be a passenger 😳

[@catiedavidson9388]

me too. it’s so bad. it’s been 6 months for you do you feel any better now?

[@Sum-zb7yu]

@@catiedavidson9388 It’s been a little over a year now and my lawyer is getting me a doctor for ptsd.

[@shanarogers1487]

Thank you for your words.

[@savyisofficial]

thanks barb!!

[@daniellepetriello2378]

Thank you for doing this.

[@BarbaraHeffernan]

You are welcome. I hope it is helpful!

[@marionilagan1232]

I had car accident yesterday. I feel good I act normal but everytime I remember the accident I cry . I cant help it.

[@BarbaraHeffernan]

I can totally understand that. It might take some time to work through your nervous system and it is ok to cry! If symptoms persist, you may want to reach out to a therapist for help. Wishing you the best, Barbara

[@twl107]

I’m always having lucid car crash nightmares. I always survive and lay there all mangled up and in pain. Feels so real…I’m in shock and don’t feel the pain but then I come to realization and the pain just floods in. I wake up crying sometimes and think about them all day because they’re so vivid. Sometimes I’ll just cry worrying about my family when they’re driving

[@BarbaraHeffernan]

So sorry to hear this. I have found EMDR can help with nightmares significantly.

[@edenvelasquez-jager3719]

Thank you. ❤

[@kinjayaqoob3658]

Good Job. Doctor Rama Kant Dawar, who is also A - SAP (Substance Abuse Professional) does a great job in Fresno, California in counseling. Appreciate for the informational video.

[@yonelathengwa132]

I just have the similar symptoms, I can't even sleep

[@gregbrown922]

Thanks Barbara! Spot on. Could I respectfully add that, unless we are diagnosed, and then taught to know what's going on with us, then we do not seek help? My diagnosis came 40 years following the 1st of 4 head concussions, PTSD was not on the books (Am a Counsellor). Shell Shock was. Thank you again.

[@eileencheptoo5420]

I had an accident two months ago and it has been hard going back to the road.I have had anxiety and am being careful right now.I found myself watching this video today and I hope it will be the beginning of my recovery

[@wenops8455]

On July 7, 2021, I was a passenger in a car that flew of the road going 60mph into a shallow ditch. The car was completely unharmed (somehow). For the first few weeks after I remember feeling horrible anxiety and flashbacks (also coupled with my OCD... yay). For the past few weeks I’ve felt much better, and I’m about to start therapy to finally cut ties with the fears. No where near as bad as it was before, it’s more of an annoying inconvenience I have sometimes now. Thanks for the video, appreciate it.

[@BarbaraHeffernan]

So sorry this happened to you. I do hope therapy is helpful - it definitely can be in these situations! Wishing you health and healing.

[@waleefmuamar7481]

I have pneumonia from my injury wish me well

[@jordantaylor7904]

I was just in a car accident with my mom and my 3 month old son a few days ago. We were lucky and my son was not hurt at all (thank god for good car seats). My mom and I are pretty banged up, bruised and whiplash, but we were lucky that no one was hurt more than that. However, people keep telling me that and it’s not helping. It makes me feel guilty that I’m struggling with PTSD. Thank you for this video. It helps me clarify things a lot!

[@BarbaraHeffernan]

I'm so sorry to hear about the accident! And so scary with your son and mom. Yes, people often say things like that to try to help, but it often misses the point. (My husband broke his neck in a mountain biking accident (he ended up being fine after he re covered) and people kept telling him he was lucky,.. Yes, but... ). Hang in there - acute symptoms are common right after an accident, and please do access help if you need it. Wishing you all the best, Barbara

[@lilmisstraumatized5235]

I've got complex ptsd and struggle with flashbacks etc from different stuff on a daily basis, the ones from my car crash happen when I'm trying to take a nap or just waking up from a nap and I'll have am intrusive thought then that sheer panic about what happened in the crash hits me and then I hate myself because I should be over it by now

[@BarbaraHeffernan]

I do hope this is helpful... identifying the problem is the first step, though it doesn't always feel good! I wish you health and healing!

[@sneakerbay1836]

I got in a car accident with a friend back in 2019 and it still haunts me to this day

[@madisonrose42]

i was handed down a car that was especially worn out on the breaks. i kept asking to get them fixed (i was 16 at the time) and everyone would just say “their fine, stop asking” they pushed me to drive my little brother (at the time 11) to our dads which was 40 minutes away and on a freeway the whole way. i made it once. the second time a lady in front of me stops in the middle of the intersection on a yellow light. i go to break (had a good 3 car lengths behind her) and my car goes into the back bumper of hers. i broke my hand reaching to hold back my brother so he wouldn’t jolt forward , but had to reach back to stop myself from going into the wheel and crushing my legs. my air bag didn’t even go off, while his did. my family was more worried about me doing things for them so they didn’t have to, then me having a safe and drive-able car.

[@vickyjk1360]

I had an accident an year earlier. It wasn't a huge accident in the first place but I can relate to most of it. I had never stopped driving post accident because I had to. But each time I have to drive, I start thinking about the scnario multiple times and get anxious over any possible things that could come my way. Is there something I can do to come out of this without a therapy?

[@BarbaraHeffernan]

There are no simple solutions to this kind of thing that I know of... and I can not give advice via YT or social media. I wish you health and healing,

[@delaneyrogacki1243]

on 9/11/21 i was in a traumatic accident. i was coming off the highway around 10:30pm at night, a new 16 year old driver came from the opposite direction and got into the left turning lane. i was going straight past the light and within 2-3 inches of me passing her, she hits me head on. my best friend was in the car with me and got 3 broken ribs. i had a compound fracture of my tibia and fibia, ankle broke, ulna and radius bone broke, 3 ribs breaks and a punctured lung. ICU for 3 1/2 weeks and PT facility for another 2 weeks. i am so tired and it’s so nice to hear someone validating how i feel. i haven’t been diagnosed with PTSD as of yet, but i am very certain i do. thank you for this information.

[@ilooovejesus11]

today after school trip, we were stuck in traffic because someone had a car crash before 1 minute we arrived, i didn’t experience one by myself but when my best friend’s bus almost got in one after the crash it was so traumatic, i’m still crying. thank you for this video, i may help

[@lianaa6272]

Thank you 🙏

[@BarbaraHeffernan]

You’re welcome 😊

[@liltunes]

Makes sense! Relatable.😰

[@moniqueflower6261]

Thanks for this I had a horrible crash yesterday Lucky no one died n my partner and I got out fine but still so raw and real 🥺

[@BarbaraHeffernan]

So sorry to hear this. It’s so scary. Wishing you health and healing. ❤️‍🩹

[@by_di3go_usa96]

2 days ago I was in a car accident with an inexperienced driving friend and he didnt know that you have to yield on a yellow left/right indicator light. And when he turned he didn't look to his far right and a car crashed on my side passanger wheel at a very high speed. It was the worst feeling ever since my ears where ringing an my neck hurt. The car smellder burnt because of all the air bags popping. Thankfully everyone was okay the other driver and us, just a whiplash injury to my neck and arms and tinnitus for my ears. My friend has burns on his arm because of the gunpowder on the airbag. It was so scary. Today it was hard because I had to step on my mom's car and we had to do the same turn, I almost cried. The sound of the car coming and the smell came back to mind, it was horrible. No treatment needed I just need a little time to go back to the way things were

[@BarbaraHeffernan]

SO sorry to hear this. I hope you feel better soon!

[@by_di3go_usa96]

I'm good now, my neck doesn't hurt anymore ☺️

[@muqtazyamin63]

@@by_di3go_usa96 i just bought a new car and exactly this happened to me this evening with my friend and now we both are in shock😞 i didnt look to my right then the car from the right crashed into me. Im also inexperienced since i just got my license 2 weeks ago so our situation is basically the same but im the driver

[@by_di3go_usa96]

@@muqtazyamin63 everyone good? Don't sweat it. Hopefully the insurance will step up and if everyone was okay then it was a huge/tremendous mistake that will never happen to you again and that you will remember everytime you drive. I wish you the best and don't think about it too much, oh I made a mistake that could have killed someone. Never doing that again. Give it time. Buy a new car, work hard so you can work everything out and pretty much just go on. Tip Check for the next few weeks on your passanger, make sure he/she's okay.

[@muqtazyamin63]

@@by_di3go_usa96 everyone is safe fortunately and yes it is something that will appear in my mind every time i drive. Thank you very much for your kind words. Really. I appreciate it. This means a lot

[@sabrinabouphavong6296]

I got into an accident around this time last year I was supposed to yield at a green light left turn and Ig my mind went blank I turned and someone was coming straight and we hit I still get traumatized even when in a car and today my dad got me a car and I had to go park it on the other side of our house it took me a while but I did it but after my legs were shaking so bad like a wet dog

[@dredayyy3006]

Thank you so much for this video 😢 I been having severe ptsd from two car crashes I want to get over it it’s been almost 7 years since I been to scared to drive a car

[@naveeeeed]

Got in a terrible car accident at 10 years old where it could have taken the life of me or my family members very easily. Fortunately, we escaped with only a couple of broken bones but I could not sit in a car or cross a road for 1 year after that. Even today, at almost 25 years old, I get severe anxiety whenever someone drives fast. Even though I know how to drive, I am unable to drive on big roads with heavier traffic.

[@artisticthings7843]

I can relate, its been just a month though n wounds r still fresh in my broken leg as well as mind

[@BMZ24569]

I was involved in an accident today. I hit a drunk pedestrian who was crossing the road. I took him to the hospital and thank God he survived but I'm so traumatized right after the accident. I don't know if I'll ever drive again 😞😞

[@stephaniecorazzini1511]

i smashed into a back of a 18wheeler going like 80mph on a highway because i fell asleep on the wheel and my foot accelerated the gas my whole leg got crushed and i broke my knee my acetubular & my hip and pelvis i still have flashbacks all time and this happend 3 years ago :( but i am driving again and it really helped getting back on the road

[@sanjay6741]

Bro help me I am depressed Today I just did accident and in front the small scooter just banged and the person fell directly on the bonnets of our car and I took side went home did not help, because of fear

[@michaelbruce9197]

I have ptsd from an accident. They put me on the benso’s....Was making things worse.... was horrible. Therapy says I have complex ptsd. I have tried all sorts of natural things. I just tried and stopped Cbd oil. That made things real bad....What seems to help is redi calm. At night I take , 200 of magnesium , tea, 1/2 of a redi calm and one milligram of melitonein , helps me fall asleep. During the day multiple vitamin ( lots of b’s)...., and one redi calm. This has helped with the horrible spikes, panic, horrible dreams , thoughts that suck,and anxiety attacks.... I’m meditating, and breathing, and thinking the best I can. I watch your videos. Thank you .

[@BarbaraHeffernan]

WIshing you health and healing,

[@green_sktl696]

I’m 16 I was driving today and somebody didn’t look before coming out of a yield,and I hit them from the side my leg was hurt pretty bad, my mom was Injured pretty bad and we had two 2 year old twins in the back, and one of them bit their tongue. After we got out of the hospital we went home and I still felt and smell what happened in the accident. I was sleeping and I actually dreamed the accident again and I woke up really sweaty and my heart was racing.

[@BarbaraHeffernan]

I'm so sorry to hear this... It will get better. Please reach out for help if the symptoms do not improve soon.

[@saphire60]

how are you guys doing?

[@malthagamingking2412]

I just started my recovery from an accident that happens on last Wednesday. I was coming home from college for the rest of he semester and my cousins was picking me up. The drive was fine but 10 before we got to my house my mother wanted us to pick up something for dinner so we go to make a uturn and somebody speeding down the road wasn’t paying attention and didn’t see us and she tboned us at full speed and hit the passenger side where I was at. My cousins is mostly okay besides some soreness and ptsd but my neck is fractured scars and bruises all over bleeding from my head and even more. Lately I’ve been having nightmares hearing the sounds of the crash and looking around and seeing my blood all over the seat and firemen pulling me out of the car.

[@paolaluchsinger3116]

I’m 22 and have major driving anxiety. This isn’t only embarrassing that I don’t have a license but inconvenient since I live in the suburbs. I failed my road test the first time and once got a fender bender and another time a flat tire. I was starting to make progress until the pandemic happened and I haven’t been able to make progress since. Any advice on overcoming this fear and becoming a safe, responsible driver would be super appreciated.

[@newyorkisawesome99]

I just turned 23 and I'm right there with you. Thankfully, I have a friend I'd trust with my life that's been helping me, but I feel useless and crippled through this process. My hands drench the steering wheel in sweat in addition to my shirt. It's hard for me to not pass out from the anxiety. It gets easier the more u do it (exposure therapy). Try long, relatively straight trips. The more time you have behind the wheel and understanding your car, the better off you are.

[@coevilla9433]

Because everybody else is saying there different car accidents here's mine. I'm currently 15, I was 15 when I got into a roundabout crash with my brother whilst we was coming home from our lovely camping in Wales, I've always loved being in a car or a bike, just feeling the fresh air that everybody else loves, just seeing the different cars, but when we was approaching the roundabout and my brother saw the roundabout was clear as day, pretty much no cars. And then when he was 50% done with it a car pulled out, thinking we would I think stop in a way on a roundabout, I saw it happen, the last thing I thought was my family, I would never see them again because for the first time in my life, my eyes flashed, I thought I was dead, and Like I said about the car crash before, we was camping and we camped with fuel and such for my dad's bike and more, but he couldn't carry it, so if she hit the back of our car we would've died from the fuel explosion, I'm 88% sure on that, but After she pulled out on us, I was knocked out for around 2 seconds, we was 50 meters from the roundabout because it was a good hit to be honest so yeah, it was only me and brother in the car at the time and I was the most impacted, window smashed and my side crashed, I was in the front passenger seat because I would be allowed, and so and so, but it's been hard for me, No 15 year old never has to try and overcome a car crash at my age, its terrifying, I have PTSD every time I'm in a car, I LITERALLY look at every car and think "Don't pull out, don't do it, please." Or anything, Like mentioned my fathers bike, he was driving in front but I'd never forgive anybody if he would be hurt, he's around 50 year old and amazing in the bike, but I would literally hate my self if he was in the crash, he would've injured himself more than me, but yeah, and it hasn't been easy to me at all. After 2 weeks my dad got involved with a bike crash, basically skidding all his skin on his side, you could see the blood and everything, he's fully recovered and still going because he doesn't believe in just leaving his bike career behind over something like that but, me, its been hard, I've never been so scared in my life to think my family will be a family without me, now I know I'm going off track here but I need to rank to someone or somebody at least, its hard man, to think your own father or mother might be seeing there son being buried, I've gotten over some things, like the bus I take to school, they're more protected but I couldn't just imagine getting in a car again, I hate it, it just I need to rant again because NO 15 YEAR OLD SHOULD BE IN A CAR CRASH AND THINK THEIR LIFE is BASICALLY over in a second, luckly my family was rushed to the car crash site and everybody was ok, because of my age I HAD to go to the hospital which was a good move at the time but yeah, if you've read to the very end, I'm blessing you, thank you for taking your time out of your day or night to read someone's panic, god bless .

[@deniseaarons1827]

Am so afraid of driving in a vehicle I would scream cry have regular heart beat short reliving the experience

[@aznboirichie4056]

about a 3 months ago, I got my drivers permit (I am 15) and I passed with flying colors because I spent alot of time studying the manual. and about a month and a half ago. my dad suddenly told me that he was gonna teach me how to drive and at that point I had completely 0 experience with cars in general and it started off very very rocky with him basically yelling at me and causing me so much more stress than I already had and we came to a T Intersection and the light was red and it turned green and my dad told me to speed up and get ready to turn (At that point I had drove around the neighborhood a tiny bit all while he was yelling at me) and I sped up a bit to make the turn and Ended up losing control and crashed into the light pole and the car got wrecked. it was on fire and everything even though I was going 25 mph. I had a sprained wrist and my dad had to go to the hospital to get surgery. a month later which is the present, I am extremely scared to even sit in the front seat of a car and im very thankful that I have a very supporting family and they were very understanding but still to this day, I am terrified to start driving again and earlier today my dad told me that in a few months im gonna have to start learning again, which caused my heart to drop to my stomach. the thought of the accident just haunts my mind whenever I'm with my dad or near a car or even just going to the garage to take out the trash. At this point in my life, I don't even know what i'm more scared of, learning ANYTHING from my dad or just driving itself. this video made me feel understood and im a little more confident about driving now but I think I should get an instructor or therapist to help me with my driving.

[@TysonUt999]

I got in 3 car accidents within over a year, none of them were my fault, and I have hated driving ever since. I am scared to drive

[@dr.tamiesmith8887]

I suspect my PTSD may be the cumulative effect of several car accidents, and the last one pushed me to the edge. They all happened 15 or more years ago, but even with the intrusive thoughts, hypervigilance and tension in my head, neck and body, I always pushed through and never avoided driving. None-the-less, I suffered and still suffer every day with anxiety in the pit of my stomach and intrusive thoughts. I sought additional help recently because my fiancé and I will soon embark upon a three-week road trip across the U.S. While I once would have been excited about the trip, I'm overwrought with anxiety and panic, and the only real relief has been the occasional dose of Klonopin (benzodiazepine). After viewing your video, I have a new perspective on the medication and will try to refrain taking it. The biggest problem with the PTSD is that before its onset, the sense of safety was taken for granted. Since the onset, it seems that the filter of obliviousness to potential danger has been ripped away, so I am acutely aware of what can happen, hence the hypervigilance. I've learned coping strategies, but none have been adequate to conquer the intensity of my suffering. I'm not hopeful about recovering from this, but will continue viewing your videos on the subject. Can you recommend EMDR specialists in the Silver Spring, Maryland region?

[@Stephanie-wj8bl]

i was in an accident with my parents almost 8 months ago and it still haunts me.. i smashed my head on window and went flying out and somehow i was the only conscious one. ill never forget the sound of my moms raspy breathing and the blood and glass all over my dad.. i can still remember how it all felt in that tiny moment leading up to impact, knowing we were going to get hit..like falling in slow motion. sometimes i feel like i did die in that accident

[@Eric-steele]

My accident happened 30yrs ago when I was 19 I keep seeing the people in the other car I thought I'd killed it's getting worse the older I get

[@BarbaraHeffernan]

So sorry to hear that! I do think EMDR therapy can be helpful in these situations....

[@Made-by-maddie-]

I got in a wreck with my dad today, and I’m still processing. I cant stop replying it in my head. My scream. My dad’s scream. The wreck. EVERYTHING. It’s a blur.

[@samo205]

i got in a crash a couple hours ago and it’s so traumatic and i don’t know what to do, i hope you feel better and have found comfort

[@deniseaarons1827]

I have all those

[@deasiaferguson3952]

2 accidents one a car hit me last year and the most recent one this year car lost control and we smacked a wall so happy we are alive we are really scared of cars but still try I had an anxiety attack. I think we both have ptsd I can smell rubber I hear the car noises. We try driving again but it’s way slow and that’s good. I just feel like the hospital we went to didn’t care! We should of had follow ups stronger meds

[@kheiruartimist4592]

Hi Ma’am. When is the best time to expose someone outside after a traumatic accident?

[@damnshefine809]

I got into a car accident in sept and now at night I feel like every car with bright lights coming head on to me but not its the same being a passenger too. I still hve flash backs an can smell them odd smells frm the accident bc a truck almost hit me head on

[@BHUTAN_1616]

🙏🙏🙏

[@maii5termnd923]

I was just in a car accident couple hours ago. My car rolled 5 times over to the next lane. Thank goodness I came out with only scratches. I now can't sleep coz the demons created after that set up tent in my head.

[@jackpenman6704]

Hi I’m from nz and I’ve had 5car accidents one brain injury at work and my specialist said in writing I have no post traumatic stress disorder

[@christinemccormack5797]

I just had a roll over accident and should never have survived. I just spoke to a counselor and I can’t stop Hearing the crash. I was not the driver. I want to stop hearing the crash.

[@charlieruka7547]

It’s so horrible dealing with this. Whether I’m driving or being a passenger I feel like I’m going to die.

[@minoxidilbeardandhairprodu4598]

Tbi as well 😞

[@mooochiiart5130]

I got into a car accident over the summer in 2019.. I was in the left lane, trying to turn on my ex boyfriends street.. I didn’t yield to the other driver because I thought I had the right of way.. so I tried to gun it and go.. the other car hit the side of mine, and I swerved to the side of the road.. my car ended up being totaled.. I haven’t not driven since.. but I’m working on saving up for another one..

[@theejazzroom]

so proud of you!!

[@1upization]

I watched someone get ran over by a 18 wheeler at my work, struggling with this event going back to my workplace. The event replays throughout my head every time my shift comes close.

[@BarbaraHeffernan]

Wow - how horrible. That is horrendous. I'm so sorry. Acute stress disorder includes flashbacks and avoidance, and would be the "diagnosis" if it is within the first 30 days. After 30 days, it becomes PTSD. Both can be helped by EMDR. Some companies have crisis intervention teams or protocols. I really encourage you to reach out - the response you are having is a pretty normal response to a abnormal, horrible event. Sending care and compassion, Barbara

[@1upization]

@@BarbaraHeffernan Thank you for your reply/help!

[@lindatshappat4973]

Myself & daughter were recently in a car crash involving 3 cars. The at-fault car was to our right & slightly ahead. There was a car on our left. The passenger in the at-fault car ( F 22 years)grabbed the steering wheel and purposely jerked it from the driver ( M 45 years). That car impacted the front of our car . Our car was forced into the car on the left. That young guy had to crawl out his passenger side because the passenger side of our car was against his driver's door. I was in the passenger seat and was stuck . It happened around 5:30 pm, rush hour in the city, under a highway overpass. The woman who jerked the steering wheel was drunk and the man driving was her friend (sober) who was trying to keep her from drunk driving. He got the ticket. They were in her bf's new car, a 2022 Ford Escape. My daughter , age 20, was the driver in our car & it was totalled. She had only had her car 4 months. It broke her heart. She was so happy with her car. The fact that one second we were fine and the next second all hell breaks loose is hard to process as it happened so fast. While investigating why this woman did this we found out she started drinking at 11 am while she was alone with her 2 month old baby. Luckily they had driven the baby to her grandma's house. No one was hurt. I'm worried about my daughter not getting enough from the insurance to get another car.. This was our only reliable vehicle at this time.That one drunk idiot did several thousands of $ in damages to 3 cars and caused major stress in only 1-2 seconds. I'm not looking forward to leaving the house & getting in a car just yet.

[@supaman1239]

Just listening to your voice helps with comfort. I don't often leave comments on videos but I wanna say you helped me. I was in an accident a couple months ago, where I was driving home from working a 14 hour shift and fell asleep. Rear ended a pickup truck on the highway, unknown speed. I woke up right before impact, screamed, and then blacked out. My vision came back and I was spinning, hitting the guard rail with my front end and then I was out again. Vision came back for a flash and I hit the back end on the guard rail. I can still smell it, it's playing back constantly in my head and when I drive I get flashbacks and my heart starts racing and it's awful. I haven't had any nightmares up until recently and then all of the sudden I started getting them in full swing, the same smells and sounds of the crash play in my nightmares and shock me awake.

[@BarbaraHeffernan]

Hi: I'm so sorry to hear this. Usually EMDR or therapy can really help in situations like this. I wish you all the best, and I am pleased my video was helpful.

[@professorpulp5767]

I got on a pretty bad accident today, I was trying to swerve to not hit a Raccoon and i ended up hitting a tree and totaling my car. I was trapped in the car and had to climb out through the sunroof and all I can keep thinking about is being stuck in the car

[@chelseavanhoof6398]

I’m struggling with this right now, I got in a pretty minor accident but it was on a huge highway with a semi truck so I think just the risk of what could have happened is bothering me. I also keep replaying the moment of impact in my head. I was on day 3 of a 10 day cross country move so I had to be in a car for hours and hours everyday after this happened. When I tried to drive again 2 days later I had a panic attack behind the wheel and had to pull over. I’m afraid to drive my children now and afraid to drive in general! I don’t trust every truck I see on the road.

[@mahrukhbabar8789]

Thank you for the psycho education , especially in regards to Benzodiazepines. I don't know why they are even legal .

[@BarbaraHeffernan]

You are welcome, Glad you found it helpful!

[@ssmssmssm_]

I was struck as the pedestrian but I was having these same effects. I am terrified of crossing sidewalks especially where it occurred 😓

[@BarbaraHeffernan]

That makes perfect sense - and I am so sorry that happened to you. How scary! I do think EMDR can be helpful in these situations. All the best,

[@gemmafearne9816]

Back in January I was in a serious car crash, the paramedics said i was lucky that I didn’t snap my neck. I did break my hand and my fingers, bruised my ribs. It all happens in slow motion

[@BarbaraHeffernan]

😥 Sending hope and healing! ❤ Important to remember that the PTSD symptoms are normal after an event like this... and one can recover!

[@kenesufernandez1281]

♥️

[@stefaniehuber9422]

I was recently in a pretty bad car accident. I have driven since but I have been the passenger. the wreck was during a left turn so now whenever anyone makes a left turn I have a panic attack (I've previously been to therapy for anxiety). I can't imagine what will happen when I have to make a left turn myself but I know I can't just avoid left turns, its not healthy. the accident was my fault and I feel like a failure and danger to others and myself. I think the feeling of failing is just as bad as the fear to make a left turn and the nightmares. all I know to do is to just push myself to get back to driving and hope for the best :(

[@vegeta552]

You will get past it, just be more confident in your driving and be cautious.

[@sallyg245]

@Stefani Huber i hope you feel better soon :( I'm going through the same feelings right now

[@confettirosee]

@@sallyg245 I too had a really bad accident, I was at fault and now I just find reasons to stay home. I did break my back in two places. sternum , left shoulder, and have a bad concussion. I almost panic when in a car but we have a RV and I had to take medications plus i was awful to say i kept saying things like slow down, i dont like this. I have not drove yet . I would like to just stop but i know i cant . I do have a appointment with a therapist at the end of the month.

[@simon_simon146]

Hello

[@user-ej5so2sz4n]

I was in a bad head on collision with a drunk driver. I almost lost a leg, my friend in the car broke her back(thank god she can still walk) and sadly the other driver died. Even though when I play it in my head Ik their was nothing I could do, I can’t shake the feeling that their was something I could do to save him and save me and my friend from what happen. Every one invoked were so young too, we’re all in our early 20s

[@user-ej5so2sz4n]

I’m terrified of curves on the roads, driving over 25mph and walking down stairs. I blame myself for the accident even tho it’s not my fault. I feel like i killed someone. Though at the same time I feel like taking the accident I got was the only way I could save me and my friend

[@BarbaraHeffernan]

I am so, so sorry to hear this. Accidents leave us with terrible feelings - but they are accidents, they are out of our control. I truly feel an EMDR therapist would be super useful. Depending where you live, there may be someone near you, and many people are doing it online. I truly wish you recovery (and know it is definitely possible!)

[@katherineripia3738]

I was in an accident yesterday. I really did think I was going to die. I thought my life was over

[@dwaynediah4595]

Yesterday I had a car accident I keep having flash back lost of sleep and crying I love driving but now I'm scared to drive

[@ManojKumar-cb1tg]

2 years ago i had an accident while driving big truck and after that i went again and i had fear that time and again i had a major accident. Luckily i survived. After that i left driving. But i always feel low that why i can't drive? I tried 2-3 times again but i had a fear and i am feeling very low that i am not able to drive.

[@florescenteve]

my dad was texting and driving today and i always tell him not to and we got into a pretty bad wreck and i breakdown every time i get asked to drive or go somewhere and its so horrible

[@alyssanering7454]

Hi bb, got into a car accident 3 days ago. I completely understand how you feel and have the same reactions. We’re gonna be okay

[@nickduplessis6155]

I just got in a car accident like only a couple of hours ago, i was driving like 70mph and i tried grabbing garbage that was on the floor on the passenger side, when i looked up i was going of the road in the ditch, i tried pressing the brakes but the grass was wet, so i hit the driveway curb and ramped on the other side of the driveway, my car was totalled. And i just keep thinking about what happened

[@BarbaraHeffernan]

So sorry to hear this. Generally, the sooner someone can get treatment, the less likely it is that PTSD develops. (Initially the symptoms are part of Acute Stress Disorder - but if they last more than a month it is diagnosed as PTSD). I wish you health and healing.

[@djmccurdy4828]

I was just in a car accident last week, I got t bonned only got 2 bruises both cars totaled, every time I close my eyes all I see is their lights and the sound of the crash, I have since drove but I was very nervous

[@TacticalJay62]

I used to race go carts as a kid, they had no seatbelts. I got into a bad wreck hit the wall and after that my brain definitely changed, now people always think I’m funny when I’m just being myself it’s not the best

[@wenops8455]

Stay strong bro. Being different is better than being the same as everyone else