I got into a bad single-car speeding accident last night. My friend and I are miraculously unscathed but were extremely close to a fatal collision and my car is totaled. Now I don’t know what to do. I keep replaying the crash over in my head because it doesn’t seem real. I am normally a safe driver and this is my first accident. Our family is down a car now which makes it difficult for my three siblings to get to work, school, etc. I feel helpless and don’t know what to do to move forward.
CONSIDER THIS:
- Many people get into auto accidents at least once in their life. Experiences like this can leave you feeling anxious and even guilty, even if there’s no need to be. It is important that you’re now safe. You survived the accident and you and your family will survive the aftermath of the accident, whether it’s reliving the experience, feelings of disbelief or living without a car.
- This accident just happened. Emotions are probably really intense for you right now. Be patient with yourself and give yourself some time to breathe and calm down. With time, the stress you are feeling will most likely fade.
- While what just happened is very real, keep in mind that this one event shouldn’t define the rest of your life. You may want to avoid driving for a little while, which is perfectly natural. You may need time to collect yourself. But be conscious about moving forward as you feel ready to. Know that you have the strength to drive again and to feel safe again.
- Ask how you can help. You’re worried your family will be impacted by losing a car, so ask them how you can help minimize the impact. Maybe picking up a job to help pay for a new car or helping around the house in other ways could be helpful to your family. If everyone works together, you can all get through this rough patch.
HELP YOURSELF:
- What can you do to help yourself with your stress?
- What method works best for you to emotionally get over problems you face in life? Does talking things out help? Maybe distracting your thoughts?
- If you could redo the situation, is there anything you could/would do to change the outcome?
- How can you help your family?
