Gene,
This is an isolated incident and obviously not your fault. Take some time to refocus and keep calm. Doing exposure therapy can help you put those negative thoughts and fears aside. Take it step by step and let us know how you are doing.
Sorry, I don't think I was very clear with that breathing technique. Breath in deep, making sure your belly is being sucked in. Then breath out extending the belly like Homer. Try to make sure your belly is sucking in and out, and not your chest.
Aha, I'm new to this as well. Well, the techniques I've been taught are breathing with your stomach. Breath in deep, make sure you see your stomach suck in when you breath in, and extend all the way out like you have Homer Simpson's belly. Rinse, wash, and repeat until you feel cleansed.
The key is to feel yourself relax. The more you focus on doing the exercise, the less you think about anything else. That and, getting oxygen to the body helps.
Another thing I find that helps, is listening to calming music. Personally, the wilderness stuff doesn't work for me, I like listening to "Massive Attack - Teardrop", or anything Jack Johnson, etc...basically whatever music you like that keeps things even. You can check out youtube video's, or go to imeem.com and listen to playlists of stuff. I feel like I'm promoting them, but hey it's free so why not?
Sorry to hear about your crash, Genejockey. Give yourself time to relax before you think about the next step. This is one incident, and like you said, it wasn't your fault.
If you don't mind my asking, what techniques do you use to calm down?
A few hours ago I was involved in a car crash. The adrenaline was overwhelming. My wife and I ended up having a huge fight. The crash wasn't my fault but I can't help feeling anxious about the whole incident. I was just starting to get used to the whole fear of driving. Now this... I am afraid that I will develop a disabling phobia of driving.
