What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a term for certain psychological consequences of exposure to, or confrontation with, stressful experiences that the person experiences as h...
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I've been stuck in a panic attack and I can't seem to stop. Its getting so bad that I am having horrible chest pains.
This morning, my husband, 1 year old daughter, and I walked down to do our fortnightly grocery shop (its a 5 minute to the shops from our house). While walking on at a pedestrian crossing in the shopping center's parking lot, a drunk driver backed up across the pedestrian crossing, clipping my husband- who was holding our daughter. Thankfully, neither were hurt! The driver had backed out of a parking spot and there was no reason for him to drive in reverse over the pedestrian crossing- as his parking spot was at least 6 meters down the parking lot. Now, I'm stuck in some kind of limbo. The moment keeps replaying in my mind. Had we waited a second later to cross the road, my husband and daughter would both be dead. I lost my fiancee a long time ago to a car accident and this is really troubling me. I'm a nervous wreck, lol. Any suggestions on what can help? I've tried distraction as well as just sitting down and trying to control my breathing. I'm still terribly shaky. If I had been thinking properly, I would have written down the driver's license plate number. Do you think its too late to call the cops about this? What really gets me- the man said, "Go F*** yourself" when I grabbed my baby and started to rock her back and forth in my arms, both of us crying. What is wrong with people??? Posted on 10/03/09, 05:10 am |
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That is absolutely horrific what you experienced and for the driver to remark as he did begs belief - he is not human! I'm not sure what to say to help you. I'd be totally the same in how your feeling. Thinking of you and hope your mind settles soon xx 
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Maybe practicing mindfulness can help. It helps me sometimes. Just keep reminding yourself that you are safe now. Everything is OK now. It's over and done and you are with your baby and husband and they are safe now.
So sorry this happened!
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Thank you for the advice bgranny- it is helping!
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Ciora,
I'm so sorry you had to experience this. What's the matter with people, is right! Geezuz! My response may be delayed, but if not, I do hope it is helpful. I routinely use a variety of techniques to prevent panic attacks. One or several may help you, too. 1. I keep a spray bottle of peppermint oil handy (and a backup vial in my purse). Peppermint oil does a lot of things to help (seriously). 1. It gives the senses a jolt (grounding), 2. It helps to clear the head, 3. It helps to allieviate any associated other reactions such as muscular tension, nausea, and headache. I usually spray some on my wrist and inhale it or rub it on my temples. It's strong, so be careful. 2. I also exercise right away or as soon as possible. Anywhere from 30-60 repetitions seems to help. This also helps to ground, but also to channel the impulse to fight/flight. 3. I go through a series of sensory grounding techniques (naming 5 things/objects that I see, 4 things that feel, 3 things that I hear, 2 things that I smell, 1 thing that I taste. This engages all of the senses (grounding). 4. I also do five or more very deep breathing exercises. This helps to calm the system. 5. I may also do some guided imagery (I rely on a pleasant memory from my childhood). It is also helpful to engage the senses in this exercise. I don't think it's too late to report the incident. The police will understand--especially if you had a panic attack. It would be good to have the report on record--especially if this guy demonstrates a pattern. Take care, Ciora. I do hope this was somewhat helpful.
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