Anxiety about driving after minor car accident

[CompluterSaysNo]

I was in a minor car accident driving my two kids home from a day-trip over Easter.

Me and my kids (and the other driver) were all fine.

The other driver admitted fault and despite taking a long time, the insurance claim and repairs has been straightforward and I have had a courtesy car.

My car was not drivable after the crash.

Since the accident whenever I drive anywhere I get very physical symptoms of anxiety (raised heat rate) and feel anxious.

I've done all the driving I absolutely need to do (e.g. school runs every day/kids dentist etc) but have started cycling to work/hobbies to avoid the stress of driving.

In a way this has been good for me as I was quite unfit before and the last few months my fitness has definitely improved!

I would really like to get back to how I felt before - I never enjoyed driving but I was never afraid of it.

I'm not able to use the anxiety to drive better. I am just stressed and jumpy!

It's been three months now and still no improvement in my anxiety.

Should I speak to my GP? Is there anything practical that I can do? Is it worth trying hypnotherapy?

If anyone has had a similar anxiety and been able to overcome it I would love to hear from you. Do I just need to wait?

Thanks

Hypnotherapy could help; try with a practitioner who will given you a free session/taster to make sure it works for you.

In terms of what's going on your mind got such a shock from the accident (which was enough to make your car undriveable, so not that minor) that it's playing t absolutely safe by triggering anxiety to dissuade from any driving, on the basis that if you don't drive you can't have an accident. A bit like someone getting nipped by a dog and then being scared of every dog for the rest of their lives. The subconscious doesn't always understand perspective!!

I havd EMDR after a car crash some years ago. To be honest I thought it sounded like a load of nonsense and I certainly wasn't expecting it to work. But I found it really helpful. Mine was with a private practitioner paid for by my insurance but I think you can get it on the NHS but I expect there will be a wait.
The other thing I did was have a few refresher driving lessons. I found having a professional sitting in with me a few times very reassuring.

Thanks both. I haven't heard of EMDR but will investigate both.

I defintely think EMDR definitely worth considering. Especially if your insurance will pay. Or you can get it on NHS if they agree you’re eligible. But longer wait time

Have you thought about having a driving lesson? Not that you need one but to help with getting confidence back.

The other person involved most likely feels terrible and has made steps to improve their driving (I've been at fault before).