[Storm24]

I am new here and this is only my second post. At the moment I am working through issues from my past but something happened a few months ago which still scares me quite a bit. I was out cycling on my bike when a car sped past me. It was only a short way in front of me when it swirved across the road, hit the pavement and flipped up into the air before smashing into some railings on the opposite pavement. It turns out that the driver was drunk. If I was only a little way ahead I would possibly have been killed and I was really shaken by the experience. After it had happened loads of people came out of their houses and I went over to see if there was anything that I could do - I saw the driver (the car was upside down) and he was really shaking. There was glass smashed everywhere, it was a mess. When I got home I was really shaken and kept thinking about it. I couldnt eat and felt panicky. Sometimes (not all the time) - I wonder what would have happened if I hadnt been where I was on the road at that time. It hasnt put me off cycling altogether but I dont cycle as much as I used to and I tend to stick to the paths (which is illegal).

Storm,
I used to drive a whole lot for a living, and had many near misses much like you described; and then have been involved in several minor accidents too.
Because of our coping skills being so messed up because of our disease it really does shake us up. What helps me, is to realize that God was looking out for me that day, and will continue to do so. When it's my time to go, I know I will be welcomed into His arms.
I know it's easier said than done, but just count your blessings that you were watched over that day, and be grateful that you're time here isn't over.
Perhaps I over simplify, but when it happens to me, I freak out sometimes too. Welcome to the forums, and thanks for sharing. Don't feel pathetic, you're not alone.
Jon
(((((storm24)))))

[shakes]

Storm,
I do not know if this will help, but maybe consider why you were not at the point of the road that the car hit? You are still here for a reason...you still have things to do on this earth that are important.

Jessica

<font color=blue>The worst is over now and we can breathe again
I wanna hold you high, you steal my pain away
There’s so much left to learn, and no one left to fight
I wanna hold you high and steal your pain</font color=blue>
~Seether and Amy Lee

[mandala]

Storm,

I've witnessed a couple of accidents and it was very hard to get them off my mind for weeks or months afterwards.

I don't know how long ago this happened but remember that anxiety, etc is not even labeled PTSD until six months AFTER the "trauma". In other words, it is totally normal to "obsess" for a few months. If you see what I mean...

It is really really disturbing to see someone get hurt, to come close to getting hurt ourselves. My son (2 y o) had to have surgery last Xmas. I sitll get the shakes every time I notice the scars (which I notice quite a bit, as he's been swimming a lot and they are on his back.)

Anyway, I just want to validate that your anxiety is very normal. Have you tried doing deep breathing or other exercises to calm down when you start thinking of it?

Oh, and I'd keep to the paths, too, legal or not. Safety first, ya know?

M

[Butterfly_Faerie]

((((((((((Storm))))))))))

<font color=red>~</font color=red><font color=blue>S</font color=blue><font color=green>u</font color=green><font color=blue>n</font color=blue><font color=green>d</font color=green><font color=blue>a</font color=blue><font color=green>n</font color=green><font color=blue>c</font color=blue><font color=green>e</font color=green><font color=red>~</font color=red>

<font color=blue>"Never react emotionally to criticism. Analyze yourself to determine whether it is justified. If it is, correct yourself. Otherwise, go on about your business."</font color=blue>

<font color=black>Norman Vincent Peale</font color=black>