Dear Dr. B,
Our daughter was in a car accident on her way to college last week. Because of a concussion in the car accident, her doctor said she can’t listen to Christmas music, watch Christmas movies or even look at Christmas lights for several weeks. Those were my primary concerns until we drove home yesterday and the stress from being in the car came over me. Her car was totaled, so how do I overcome the fear of letting her drive again? How does she overcome the fear from the accident in order to drive again?
Sincerely,
Concussion Concerned Parent
Dear Concerned,
First, let’s just take a moment and thank God that your daughter’s injuries were not even more significant—while a concussion is serious, given that her car was totaled, it sounds like it could have been so much worse.
You have every right to be concerned, however. A concussion is no small, inconsequential injury and the recovery process must be respected. Sometimes the hardest aspect of a concussion to deal with is the fact that no one can see it, or the consequences of it. And the symptoms often vary from day to day.
Rest is crucial for concussion recovery
It will be crucial for you and your daughter to extend much grace to her during this recovery period. The greatest and fastest recovery will occur within the first month, followed by the first three months post injury, six months, and one year. As hard as it may be, heed your doctor’s warning to avoid the stimulation of lights and sounds. Your daughter’s brain is trying to repair itself and needs a calm environment free from extra stimuli in which to do so. Rest is crucial for concussion recovery.
Following a concussion, cognitive functioning and emotions can be inconsistent
It’s important that she return to normal activities slowly, because resuming normal activities too quickly risks further injury and may slow her healing and compromise her ultimate recovery. As she heals, encourage her to take on normal activities a little at a time, but never all at once. Ensure that she avoids doing too much too soon.
Just like cognitive functioning following a concussion can be inconsistent, so too can emotions. Some days she may feel just fine. Other days she may feel sad, discouraged, frustrated, or afraid. Reassure her that this is normal, and it will get better with time.
After a car accident, guard your heart against a spirit of fear
Fear of driving again following a car accident and concussion is not uncommon, and even understandable. As a Christian, it’s important to guard your heart against entertaining a spirit of fear. Do not let this become an open door point in which the enemy can gain access to your or your daughter’s heart and mind to torment you with fear. God protected your daughter from more serious injury before, and we can trust Him to continue protecting her in the future.
Fear always stems from a feeling of being out of control, and your concerns about her driving again are understandable. Yet, whenever we drive, we place our lives in God’s hands because we cannot control what other drivers on the road do.
Rather than entertain worry and fear, confess your fears and give them over to your Heavenly Father, entrusting Him to care for your precious daughter. Only then can you experience peace:
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
Once medically cleared, don’t let fear stop you from driving again
Once your daughter’s doctor has medically cleared her to drive again, encourage her to do so. Fear has a way of growing, the longer we wait to face it. Pray with her and for her before she drives again, and in those prayers, thank God for having spared her life and kept her safe from further harm before and for going with her each time she gets in the car again. He is her loving Father, and you can entrust her into His care.
Combat fear by memorizing Scripture about God’s faithfulness
Encourage her to memorize Scripture that will help combat her fears and remind her of God’s faithfulness such as:
“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31)
“The name of the LORD is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” (Proverbs 18:10)
“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.” (Proverbs 29:25)
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” (Proverbs 23:24)
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
Patience is key in the concussion healing and recovery process
Both of you will need to exercise patience through her healing and recovery process. There is no way to speed it along, but you can slow it down by not heeding her doctor’s warnings and advice.
Finally, remind her of God’s promises:
“I will give you back your health and heal your wounds, says the Lord.”
(Jeremiah 30:17 NLT)
Because of Him, #HopePrevails!
(If you have a question you’d like Dr. B to answer, contact her here now. Your name and identity will be kept confidential.)
Great post, Michelle! It’s interesting the way you’ve combined practical, medical, and GODLY wisdom. You are a treasure! GOD bless you, beautiful friend! 🙂
Thank you Tai – in my line of work, I don’t think you can leave any of the 3 components out. Thanks for your encouragement. Because of Him, #HopePrevails!
Your advice is sound and kind. Memorizing scripture is a great help for fear and I love the verses that you suggested. I’m your neighbor at Inspire me Monday.
Glad you appreciated the advice given Carol. I always try to give a mixture of truth wrapped in compassion. Our ultimate source for wisdom has to be from God, but I believe He can use medical personal as His conduit. Because of Him, #HopePrevails!
I love the combination of sound medical advice and spiritual wisdom! Thanks, Michelle!
Thanks for your kind words Lori. In my line of work, I don’t know how we can leave spiritual wisdom out of the equation if we want lasting results. Hope this helps someone. Because of Him, #HopePrevails.
Love this post, what great advice. Philippians 4:6 is one of my favorite verses and one that I even used this week in one of my posts. Do Not Be Anxious For Anything, What an amazing God We have. You neighbor at Ra-Ra Link Up.
Thanks so much! We do have an amazing God, who cares so deeply for all our needs. He loves us enough to save us from ourselves and all our anxiety if we will just give it to Him. Because of Him, #HopePrevails!
There is so much great information and encouragement in this post. Even though I’m not recovering from an accident, your recommendations on handling fear are most helpful.
Thank you Ginger, I’m so glad to hear that feedback! You are an encouragement to me! Be blessed!
Thanks for this Michele. Talk about timely. I was in a “fender bender” last week and although I’m not worried about driving; I’m still getting nervous each time I get behind the wheel. So thankful you shared this at CMB this week. Blessings!