A cycling accident can injure you physically, yes. However, it can also leave you with unseen injuries including anxiety and depression.
Feeling fearful about getting back on your bike is normal. It will take time for you to recover from the trauma and may require the intervention of health care professionals including therapists.
Acknowledge feelings
Take time to assess how you feel. Some emotions you may experience after your crash include the following:
- Anger
- Guilt
- Confusion
- Regret
- Fear
- Frustration
Acknowledging your emotions and allowing yourself time and space to process them can help you move past them.
Seek help
You can work through the emotional repercussions of your crash alone. However, doing this might feel lonely and uncertain. Having the support of others might improve your motivation and provide you with reassurance and comfort. You can seek the help of a therapist who can educate you about beneficial ways to work through your feelings and manage triggers.
Go slow
You will want to take it slow when you get back on your bike. Bicycling Magazine recommends thinking about the reason you enjoy riding your bike in the first place. Getting back on might look like sitting, not moving, and reacclimating yourself with the feeling of being on your bike. When you feel ready to ride, stay in low-traffic areas and consider riding with someone you trust.
Eventually, you may notice your confidence growing. Riding your bike can still be as enjoyable as it once was, it may just take some time and patience to get back to where you were.
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