AIBU to ask how I get over this and stop panicking?

[LoopyLou1981]

I’m not an overly confident driver but I can get myself (and the kids) around safely with a bit of a talking to before I leave.
Last night I was in a cab and someone pulled out of a turning straight into the side of us. Obviously not going that fast but it was a bit of a jolt and made a horrible noise. Not hurt apart from a bit of a sore shoulder.
I made myself get in the car today because I knew it would play on my mind but now, every time I see a turning with someone waiting it makes me jump and my heart starts racing.
I need to get myself over this before it becomes a real issue. I’m not having my dc missing out on things because I panic every time I get in the car.
Any tips?x

This might be rubbish advice so feel free not to follow. I was in an accident on a mini roundabout, the ones where people seemingly have no idea whose go it is! Everytime I had to use one after I felt very nervous. Everytime I negotiated a mini roundabout without incident I counted them up. Every so often I would think so since the accident I have done mini roundabouts x amount of times and nothing bad has happened. Eventually I stopped counting and stopped being scared.

That is scary. Did the other car actually hit the cab or was it a close miss?
Could you maybe try to think about all the times you have passed turnings without incident?

No it actually hit us. It hit the side of the car that I was on but I was in the back at it hit the front.
I’ll definitely try counting up occasions when things haven’t happened. I know I just need to be rational. It’s just unfortunate that my brain doesn’t always remember to be rational 🙄 x

It is a case of keep doing it.

I know that sounds un-sympathetic and heartless (I don't mean it to be)
I was badly injured in a car accident on a round about with a drunk driver ... it took me months to finally feel safe as a passenger, especially at roundabouts.

I made myself be the passenger every tome it was possible and anytime it meant driving that way - I always asked someone to go that way so I could get over the fear of the roundabout.
Once I saw it was an accident and wouldn't happen every time I was fine

Sorry you got injured. Are you sure you're ok?

I’m sure I’m fine. Just a bit achy. I saw what was going to happen so I put my hand up to the headrest to stop myself going forward and I think it jarred my shoulder.
Sorry you had a bad accident too. I’m glad you got over your fears x

I absolutely did not believe in it beforehand, but hypnosis changed my life.

mindfulness.getting your breathing under control and being able to rationalise or at least look into the fear and breathe through it helped so much

It's a natural reaction, try not to worry yourself over it, it will also naturally calm after time. It does go away. Its a touch of PTSD, which will fade. If it's too problematic try speaking to your GP about a beta blocker?

Sorry to hear that you’re injured OP, hope you are feeling better now. I wonder whether a few sessions with a driving instructor might help to get your confidence back and give you validation that you are a good driver?

I had a car do the same to me and it does make you more aware everytime you go past a junction and I'm a confident driver, it will pass in a couple of weeks. The more you drive hopefully the more confident you will get.