bicycle/auto accident PTG (post traumatic growth)
My name is Hannah, I am 19 and I survived a traumatic accident 2 months ago. I was crossing the street on my bicycle at an unmarked crosswalk where I was struck by an SUV. I rolled up and caved in the windshield then rolled off and fell on the hot pavement. I broke my pelvis, tailbone and fractured my right femur. I sustained a concussion and 2nd and 3rd degree burns all down my left side. I was rushed to the hospital where I spent 5 days in trauma bay. I was then released and readmitted for another 6 days to get skin graft surgery on all of my burn sights. I had to use a wheelchair and walker for a little while and I needed help doing pretty much everything. I’ve been in school for nutrition for almost a year now so with that knowledge I have been healing myself through good nutrition. I meditate on a regular basis and this has also helped me keep a clear mind about this whole situation. Most importantly for me though, keeping a positive attitude has made the biggest impact on my recovery without it I don’t think I would’ve healed as fast as I did. Instead of PTSD, I believe this accident has caused PTG, post traumatic growth. I feel like an entirely new person and this happening to me was just a new beginning. I am more in love with life then I have ever been. It’s only been 2 months since this happened and I am walking, running and riding my bike as crazy as that sounds it was a big step for me to get back on the bike . I would like to extend a helping hand to anyone that needs help or words of encouragement. I am living proof that trauma doesn’t have to be traumatic.
