Aside from physical injuries and property damage, your car accident may have caused psychological problems including anxiety about driving. Unfortunately, your nerves may prevent you from wanting to get into a vehicle for some time.
Knowing some strategies for rebuilding your confidence may help you gradually work up the courage to drive again.
Work with a therapist
Psychological trauma may trigger a variety of side effects including the following:
- Insomnia
- Invasive thoughts
- Depression
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Behavioral disorders
- Inability to focus
One thing you can do to ease your anxiety is to work with a mental health professional. A therapist, for example, can listen to your concerns and help you process your feelings. According to Geico, sharing your experience with people willing to listen may help to ease negative feelings. Equipped with effective ways to handle triggers you can respond to your situation with optimism and courage.
Take things slowly
Getting comfortable behind the wheel again will take time. The first time you sit in the driver’s seat, you may not even plan to drive. Rather, sit and familiarize yourself with the controls and the feeling of being in a car again. When you decide to drive, practice in an area with minimal traffic. An empty parking lot or quiet residential road are great places to start. If you plan to drive a distance, you may consider asking someone to accompany you.
Allowing yourself time and grace to process your experience and reacclimate to driving can make your experience more positive. The celebration of having the courage to drive again can help you permanently put your accident in the past.
