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If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident, undoubtedly
you’ve experienced some trauma symptoms, including:
-fatigue
-difficulty concentrating
-edginess and agitation
-muscle tension
-insomnia or nightmares
-getting startled easily
-racing heartbeat
-aches and pains
But physical trauma may not be the only way you were affected by
your motorcycle accident. Handling emotional and psychological
trauma correctly is a big part to Ride-Again.
What is emotional and psychological
trauma?
Psychological and emotional and trauma results from major stressful
events, such as a motorcycle accident, that can shatter your sense
of security, making you feel vulnerable on the road. Symptoms
include:
-fear and anxiety
-seeing friends and family less and less
-feeling numb or disconnected
-sadness or hopelessness
-confusion and/or difficulty concentrating
-shock, denial and/or disbelief
-anger, irritability and/or mood swings
-guilt, shame and/or blaming yourself
Why is a motorcycle accident traumatic?
It happened unexpectedly You felt unprepared for it You felt
powerless to prevent it
Help yourself.
Don’t isolate yourself.
Connecting to others will help you heal, so make an effort to
maintain your relationships and avoid spending too much time alone.
This will help you Ride-Again.
It’s cool to ask for help.
Turn to trusted family members, friends, fellow riders, a counselor
or clergyman. You may also want to join a support group for
motorcycle accidents like Ride-Again.com. Support groups are
especially helpful if your personal support network is limited.
Get in a daily routine.
Try to stick to a daily schedule, with regular times for waking,
sleeping, eating, working and exercise. Make sure to set aside time
for relaxing and social activities, too.
Check your health.
A healthy body increases your ability to cope with stress. Get
plenty of rest, exercise regularly and eat a well-balanced diet.
Avoid alcohol and drugs, which can really worsen your trauma
symptoms after a motorcycle accident and exacerbate feelings of
depression, anxiety and isolation.
Stay grounded.
If you’re feeling disoriented, confused or upset, you can do the
following exercise:
Sit on a chair.
Feel your feet on the ground. Press on your thighs. Feel your
behind on the seat and your back against the chair.
Look around you and pick six objects that have red or blue. This
should allow you to feel in the present, more grounded and in your
body. Notice how your breath gets deeper and calmer.
You may want to go outdoors and find a peaceful place to sit on
the grass. As you do, feel how your body can be held and supported
by the ground.
Remember to stay in the present. If you are thinking scary
thoughts, you will be scared. Your thoughts are not reality. They
are just thoughts. Don’t give them negative power.
Source: Gina Ross and Peter Levine.
Note: Ride-Again.com’s tips and information don’t replace
professional treatment. If you feel you need professional help,
please contact professional of your choice. The following links can
also be used to locate a professional near you.
HYPERLINK "http://therapists.psychologytoday.com/rms/" http://therapists.psychologytoday.com/rms/
HYPERLINK "http://www.findcounseling.com/" http://www.findcounseling.com
http://www.sidran.org/index.cfm
Seek professional help if you’re:
Having trouble functioning at home or work
Suffering from severe fear, anxiety or depression
Unable to form close, solid relationships
Emotionally numb and disconnected from others
Using alcohol or drugs to feel better
Experiencing terrifying memories, nightmares or flashbacks
Avoiding more and more things that remind you of the trauma
Professional trauma treatment involves:
Process trauma-related memories and feelings
Discharging pent-up “fight-or-flight” energy
Learning how to regulate strong emotions
Building or rebuilding the ability to trust other people
Ask yourself these questions after seeing a trauma
therapist:
Did you feel comfortable discussing your problems with the
therapist?
Did you feel like the therapist understood what you were talking
about?
Were your concerns taken seriously or were they minimized or
dismissed?
Were you treated with compassion and respect?
Could grow to trust the therapist?
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