Help and advice

[_goldfish_:o]

I wanted to reach out because I'm really worried about an upcoming event and I don't know a lot of people I can talk t who will understand. I have PTSD from being hit by a car 3 years ago and I have road-ready coming up. I'm really worried because I don't know how well I will cope especially since people have said that you have to watch actual videos of accidents. I don't even know if I will have a teacher or friend with me that I trust because my year(10) is going to take the course at the local college. I would just wait to do the curse until I know I am comfortable with it but it would cost me a ridiculous amount of money outside of school. I don't have a good idea of my triggers either because I just generally avoid this kind of thing. So, I just wanted to know if anyone had any advice or coping strategies, I just don't know what to do. Also, everyone can feel free to ask for advice in this thread 🙂 (p.s sorry if I wrote anything wrong this is only my second post)

[Sophie_M]

Hi there, goldfish!

Thank you so much for being a member of our forums, we are really grateful to have you!

The aftermaths of PTSD can be such a double - edged sword. On the one hand, it can really sabotage us to try to pre-empt what our triggers and distress will do or be like; on the other - of course we are going to, and PTSD can sometimes punish those without a strategy for it. It can be a very hard to find that line between driving ourselves into symptoms well ahead of time, and not ignoring our needs.

It is really brave of you to be honest here, and this is great help seeking! Many will benefit from reading here. 

I wonder if there might be some benefit at looking at positive car media? looking at things that are interesting, fun or positive around driving or vehicles in general? Have you had a look back at any favourite experiences of your own? One very powerful way to challenge triggers is to decide how you want the outcomes of your thoughts and intentions to be - it does take practice though!

We just wanted to remind you that you are very welcome to brainstorm with us, any time!
give us a call on 1300 22 4636 or click here to start a webchat.

Well done for challenging yourself with the support of your peers!
Regards,

Sophie M.

[On The Road]

Hi Goldfish,

as someone who also has negative experiences with driving, I second Sophie's suggestion of checking out positive car media! I watched those car videos that portray driving in a positive, interesting, laidback or even cosy way. They somehow helped reduced my driving anxiety, which made driving less daunting. And I also agree with Sophie that it takes practice to shape your thoughts and intentions. It is difficult at first, I know a lot of ppl and including myself still have a tendency to avoid being behind the wheels due to negative experiences. do you have someone that accompanies you to be road-ready again? Are you comfortable being on the roads that you are familiar with? Start with baby steps 🙂

[Banksy92]

Hi _goldfish_:o

Some good suggestions in here already! I wanted to ask have you spoken to a doctor or specialist about what's coming up to get their professional opinion? I wondered if maybe you had been seeing a psychologist for instance and they would understand your progress enough to advise if it is safe for you to do the program? If not, maybe you could chat to your GP and get some advice.

Another thing that comes to mind is to practice deep breathing techniques to relax yourself beforehand. I think if you calm your nervous system as much as possible this may support you. Even doing them during may help.

[_goldfish_:o]

Hey Sophie_M, that sounds like a good idea and I will try it when I get the time. I think you're completely right about PTSD being a double-edged sword, I never know what to expect. Some days I'll be fine and then there are days where (and this actually happened) I get slightly triggered because a leaf hit my leg as I crossed the road. Thankyou for the advice 🙂

[_goldfish_:o]

Hey On The Road, I mean I'm comfortable being in a car while other people drive, I guess it's just the fact that I really don't know my limits when it comes to my triggers. I'm not sure if I'll have anyone familiar doing the course with me but that is probably something I can look into. Thankyou so much 🙂

[_goldfish_:o]

Hey Banksy, thanks for the suggestions. I did attempt to talk to my therapist about this but it didn't give me the outcome that I needed and I find it very hard to directly ask for help when it comes to mental health even if the person I'm asking is my therapist. Thankyou for the advice 🙂

[_goldfish_:o]

Hey, I'm sorry it's taken me a while to come back on here. I just wanted to let anyone who might be interested know that it all went okay. I mean, of course, some of the documentaries we had to watch were a bit mentally jarring but nothing hugely triggered me. Thankyou to everyone who offered me support and I'm happy that I was able to come out of the experience feeling just that bit stronger 🙂