It is far better to express your anger when you feel it, cry (even wail and moan) when you hurt or are frustrated. If you do, you will probably find that you can then think more clearly. Share your feelings with those who are willing to be in your presence. Feeling guilty for being alive, especially if someone you love was killed in the crash, is common. You may feel that the death was your fault, even though you know it wasn’t. You
Share your feelings with those who will listen and care.
might be feeling guilty for being a burden on others or for not carrying
out your normal responsibilities. You may be frustrated with those who attempt to comfort you, or misunderstood by those who say, “You’re just so lucky to be alive,” because you don’t feel lucky at all. You may struggle with a response when they say, “You are feeling better, aren’t you?,” knowing they want you to feel better so they will feel better… but you don’t. The word “time” may become a four-letter word you hate to hear. You are tired of hearing, “It will just take time,” or “In time you’ll learn to live with the pain.” You wish people would stop asking, “Are you okay?” It can be helpful to express your feelings by writing in a journal. Some people benefit from attending support groups with people who are also recovering from injury. Pain clinics often have such groups. Others find professional counseling helpful and say they could not have survived emotionally without it. Each person grieves in their own way
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