When Trauma Resurfaces

Susie from Sandpoint, ID, asked:

Hi Julie,

I’ve been having terrifying episodes while driving where I suddenly feel like I’m going to crash because I become completely overwhelmed and unable to continue. One episode was so severe that I was stranded on the side of the road for four hours before I felt able to drive home.

I’ve had everything checked out, and someone suggested it could be cervical vertigo, since I do have neck issues. Whatever is causing it, it’s debilitating. I’ve lost confidence behind the wheel and now struggle to drive more than 25 mph, even around town.

Do you have any insight into what might be going on?

Thanks,

Susie

Hi Susie,

Thanks for your note. How frightening! I can only imagine how unsettling it must be to suddenly feel overwhelmed and unable to safely continue driving.

When I first connected with you, I was shown a scene of you at about three years old. You were in the car with your mother driving when you witnessed a horrific car accident. It seemed like one car was suspended in the air, while the other felt completely out of control, almost as if it were hydroplaning or sliding on ice. Although you and your mom weren’t involved in the accident, just witnessing it was traumatic for both of you.

I also “got” like all humans, you buried that memory deep within your subconscious. Because you’ve been clearing so much emotional baggage over the past few years, perhaps your mind now feels safe enough to let that memory resurface.

Do you remember your mother or other family members ever talking about an accident like this?

When we illuminate deeply buried trauma, it can begin to lose its hold on us. Although I’m not a licensed mental health professional, I’ve read about this phenomenon and encourage you to explore this memory and your current driving fears with a qualified psychotherapist or counselor.

I also energetically scanned you, focusing on your head, neck, and upper cervical area. Other than a healing involving an energetic chiropractic adjustment, nothing else seemed out of balance to me.

Since you mentioned neck issues and possible cervical vertigo, I’d also encourage you to consult with a physician who specializes in dizziness and balance disorders, such as a neurologist, ENT, or vestibular specialist. There are many possible causes for these sensations, so it’s important to thoroughly investigate the medical side too.

In the meantime, please don’t push yourself to drive when you feel unsafe. I’d also suggest keeping a simple log of any related dreams and when these episodes occur. Note what you were doing, how fast you were driving, whether you turned your head, what you’d eaten, how much sleep you’d had, and exactly what you felt immediately before the episode began. Patterns can emerge and sometimes provide valuable clues.

Most importantly, I’d approach this from all three directions, medical, emotional, and energetic. They can work beautifully together.

Hope this helps!

Hugs,

Julie