Bulletin Board Post

Feelings

How Do I Get Over This Accident?

<div class="ExternalClassFCD263C6A9A94C8DB09568C9E8EE3BB2">I was recently involved in a car accident. I happened to be on my phone at the time and when I looked up I had to slam on the brakes to avoid hitting the person that suddenly stopped in front of me. The person behind me started to skid and slammed into the back of my car. I told the police officer that responded that the reason I had to slam on my brakes was because of my phone and he seemed to be very understanding and tried to tell me that the other was at fault because it could have been a squirrel or a dog or whatever that ran out in front of me causing me to stop and they still would have hit me. I can't get over this sense of guilt that this whole accident could have been prevented if I hadn't been so stupid and been on my phone while driving. I am terrified to get behind the wheel, constantly nauseous, and don't want to be on my phone at all even when I'm home or in the passenger seat. I need help. </div>

<div class="ExternalClass9A939681921C4E8AAD07288D69518676">We are so glad you are reaching out to us. Car accidents are so terrifying. It sounds like this really has you shaken up. As humans, we are bound to make mistakes even when we have good intentions. Car accidents are just that… an accident. It makes sense that this event made you realize you want to be a safer driver. All you can do when you make mistakes is to learn from them and try to do better. It is clear that you have learned from this, and want to make some changes from here on out. Taking steps to learn from your mistakes shows a lot of maturity. It is important that you forgive yourself for this. Anytime that guilt comes up, remind yourself that you are taking steps to make sure it will not happen again. Keep moving forward, don't get stuck in a sea of regret and guilt: <a href="/Pages/dealing-with-regret.aspx?Topic=Regrets">http://www.yourlifeyourvoice.org/Pages/dealing-with-regret.aspx</a> In the meantime, make sure you are practicing a lot of self-care. Situations that cause that kind of fear can really take a toll on us. Self-care can be any activity that helps you feel relaxed or distracts you from your stress. I will link some tips below that will give you some ideas of what you can do to unwind. Make some time in the next few days to take care of yourself.<a href="/Pages/tip-9-steps-to-taking-care-of-yourself.aspx?Topic=Taking%20Care%20of%20You">http://www.yourlifeyourvoice.org/Pages/tip-9-steps-to-taking-care-of-yourself.aspx</a> <a href="/Pages/coping-skills.aspx">http://www.yourlifeyourvoice.org/v2/Pages/coping-skills.aspx</a> <a href="/JournalPages/WhatsYourProblem.pdf">http://www.yourlifeyourvoice.org/v2/JournalPages/WhatsYourProblem.pdf</a> Try to make a list of goals. Ways that you will be a safer driver. Measures that you will take to reduce your phone's hold on you. As you enact these ideas you will feel more confident and secure in moving forward. Thank you so much for taking this step for yourself. We are here for you, and we hope you reach out for more support!Sincerely,Katie, Counselor </div>

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