Anxiety Support Group

Anxiety is a physical condition marked by intense and persistent feelings of distress, fear, angst or dread. General anxiety caused by routine day-to-day stresses usually passes quickly and is experienced by almost everyone at one time or another. However, such feelings that linger over time and are very difficult to cope with, and which lack a clear cause, may indicate...

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Anxious about traveling

Rippelk2
Rippelk2

I have been doing really well with my anxiety and panic attacks ever since 1.5 months after getting back on my Prozac. But I am about to go through a HUGE hurdle. This upcoming Friday 1/2/18 and I don't get back home until really really late Thursday 1/8/18- practically Friday because I wont be home until after Midnight. I'm starting to lose sleep over my anxiety about leaving.


I will be traveling to Orlando FL with the manager (and her daughter) and a doctor from my work to attend the VMX (one of the largest veterinary conferences). It is an amazing opportunity and I'm really excited for all the sessions and speakers and how much I will be learning, however traveling away from home REALLY spikes my anxiety and panic symptoms....I think it would be different if I was with my boyfriend or my sister (my safety people), but I'm not. The weirdest part is out of everything that makes me anxious (being away from home, flying, etc) what is making me the most anxious is that I will be sharing 1 room with 3 other people! We should have gotten 2 rooms. I feel like I will get no sleep and 4 girls having to share 1 bathroom is a nightmare. And when I'm anxious the bathroom is almost my safety place because I will feel sick....


Any encouraging words would be really appreciated. :( 


I hate having anxiety, this is something that should be exciting and fun and my anxiety just ruins everything! I wish I was a more "go with the flow" kind of person. 



Seamus
Seamus
1st if all.... Let me just say........

I would Love to share a room with 3 women! Ha ha!

Okay, silliness aside, here's what I would do/bring. Some sort if walkman head phones. Find either good calming music. Or a good talk radio if you. There's tons out there. It might be good on the trip AND in bed at night.
Rippelk2
Rippelk2
Yes-I am definitely bringing headphones. I also am bringing ear plugs. I just am beginning to get chest pains and heavy chest feeling and heart flutters and panic symptoms already. I will definitely be packing my xanax....I'm sure I'm overreacting like I always do and once I'm there and in a groove I will be fine, but right now, I am totally freaking out....
Community LeaderMid
Mid
Stop thinking and do. In other words, switch your thought pattern to what you've already done to help make it easier, and then switch to what other things you can do - taking a walk to see the surroundings, step outside, do a couple bends, and all of these are motion.
Best wishes.
Rippelk2
Rippelk2
Thank you, I went to the store today to get some travel items, I picked up some ear plugs and a face mask for sleeping. I will also be bringing my essential lavender oil to put on my pillow and wrists. I will also bring ear buds for music or guided meditation. Thank you for encouraging words...each day that goes by I'm getting more anxious (damn the anticipation-always the worst for me) but night time is the worst (especially when I'm trying to sleep).
rachelangelo
rachelangelo
Thanks for being brave and sharing. Being in any unfamiliar environment is difficult with anxiety. I know that you are traveling with your boss, but have you thought about telling your boss and the others you are traveling with about your anxiety? You might be surprised to find that they will be more understanding than you think.
Rippelk2
Rippelk2
rachelangelo, I am VERY open about my anxiety. I actually feel better when people are aware of what's going on with me. I even used to e mail my professors in college and tell them if I leave randomly I'm not being rude LOL. I'm on the plane now- doing okay- didn't take a xanax but did have a HELL of a panic attack on take off- it was so windy it was SO AWFUL I started crying.... so embarrassing. Doing better now, distracting myself but can't wait to get off this plane
luckEginger
luckEginger
Hi Rippelk2, I hope your trip is going well. I also get anxiety when I travel, although my anxiety has more to do with staying in a hotel room alone. I have found that guided mediation really helps me a lot to get through it. Have you tried the app called Insight? It is really great for finding guided meditation and even just music to relax and calm yourself. I think it is great that you are open about your anxiety. I hope the others in your group are understanding and helpful!
Brielle
Brielle
First off congrats on the opportunity, being able to travel anywhere and learn is always a great experience. When you start feeling yourself having a panic attack try to just stop and talk to yourself so you can clear your mind and focus on the right now. Once you find that clear head space tell yourself that you're okay and nothing is going to happen. Try bringing a book, or music, or even taking a walk and breathing during your down times. Laughing usually helps get your mind off of what your scared of, try watching a comedy on Netflix. Have a great trip, and good luck!
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