Crystal W

My Journey Since the Accident – A Battle With Myself

It’s been 12 years since my car accident, which left me with a severe brain injury and in a coma. Since then, it’s been a long and difficult journey, a battle between me and myself.

I’ve struggled with memory loss and frequent outbursts, especially toward my loved ones during my healing process. That led to depression and isolation. For a long time, it felt like I was just going through the motions, taking things day by day and doing what I could.

One thing I wish I had known earlier is the importance of building confidence in yourself. Find the people who truly care about you and hold onto them. I wish I had known more about the process of healing such as ways how to improve memory, logic, and self-confidence. These things don’t come all at once, progress is possible with support and time.

During my hospitalization, I had anger and emotional outbursts which was due to damage to my frontal lobe. I came out of my coma still intubated and just two days later, I walked out of the hospital. I don’t even remember leaving. Legally, they couldn’t stop me, but I wish I had stayed longer and asked for help.

So to anyone going through this… Ask for help. Seek out support. Use the resources available to you. One day, you’ll look back and be thankful you did. It only takes one small step, a little push and it can start a domino effect, getting easier on its own.

Another piece of advice, don’t let your guard or self-esteem down. Don’t let anyone make you feel different or less than. What happened to you is part of your story now, but it doesn’t define your worth.

For eight years, I dealt with emotional and physical abuse that led to anoxia. I let someone else’s view of me, how different they said I was, dictate my life. I wish I had left that situation much sooner.

Even though I’m on my own now, I couldn’t be happier with where I’m at, because my recovery journey can now set sail. So please, don’t let others make you feel small or broken, even I’m still working on it after 8 years. We are still here. We still have a path ahead. And that alone is something to be thankful for.