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...
I have had travel phobia for about 8 years now. I used to freak out just thinking about traveling across town. Thankfully, that is no longer an issue. My husband and I will take short trips within an hour of the house and although not pleasant for me, I don't have days of anxiety prior to going like I used to. My main thing is traffic, interstates, bad weather and anything unknown such as what will be encountered on the route.
A sister I haven't seen in 14 years is going to be in Kansas City for a conference next to the Crown Center. My husband and I are going up to spend one of the days with her and traveling back that night. It is about 3 hours away. We'll be traveling from Springfield, Missouri and the trip is planned for the end of June.
I have had several panic attacks just thinking about it. Although I have only used 3 Xanax pills total in the 8 years since I've had this phobia, I already have planned on using that to get myself up there and to get myself back. I don't like medication and the last time I've done that has been about 6 years ago.
All sorts of things are feeding into the panic. A 3 hour trip is way outside my comfort zone. I have no control of what the weather is going to be like the day of the trip. I don't know what the traffic is like closer to Kansas City or the Crown Center. What if my nerves kick in and I have diarrhea? What if I pass out? What if there is no where to park? on...on and on...and on..... I am constantly having to talk myself out of the "what if" questions. At least I've been honest with my sister so she's being supportive but really wants me to work on getting there and I am promising myself I can do this. I'm not getting any younger and what if this is the last time we get to see each other. She lives in Rhode Island and I live here in Missouri.
What if I actually have a great time? We just bought a brand new car and what if I actually enjoy the trip? What a concept. What if it is an absolutely beautiful day? What if I make this trip and the travel phobia leaves me for good?
If anyone has any more suggestions or actually knows the area around the Crown Center and can reassure me it isn't that bad; that would be great! Deep breath.....I feel better just typing it all out.
A sister I haven't seen in 14 years is going to be in Kansas City for a conference next to the Crown Center. My husband and I are going up to spend one of the days with her and traveling back that night. It is about 3 hours away. We'll be traveling from Springfield, Missouri and the trip is planned for the end of June.
I have had several panic attacks just thinking about it. Although I have only used 3 Xanax pills total in the 8 years since I've had this phobia, I already have planned on using that to get myself up there and to get myself back. I don't like medication and the last time I've done that has been about 6 years ago.
All sorts of things are feeding into the panic. A 3 hour trip is way outside my comfort zone. I have no control of what the weather is going to be like the day of the trip. I don't know what the traffic is like closer to Kansas City or the Crown Center. What if my nerves kick in and I have diarrhea? What if I pass out? What if there is no where to park? on...on and on...and on..... I am constantly having to talk myself out of the "what if" questions. At least I've been honest with my sister so she's being supportive but really wants me to work on getting there and I am promising myself I can do this. I'm not getting any younger and what if this is the last time we get to see each other. She lives in Rhode Island and I live here in Missouri.
What if I actually have a great time? We just bought a brand new car and what if I actually enjoy the trip? What a concept. What if it is an absolutely beautiful day? What if I make this trip and the travel phobia leaves me for good?
If anyone has any more suggestions or actually knows the area around the Crown Center and can reassure me it isn't that bad; that would be great! Deep breath.....I feel better just typing it all out.
For your trip, try to cover the unknowns. Bring a small cooler with food, drink (in case you are stuck in traffic). Go on line before you leave and check the routes for traffic if your GPS doesn't alert you.
bring a book, a gps, roadmaps so you have alternate routes covered. I'd even bring a change of clothes. think that about covers the what ifs
Be sure you have AAA or some auto club in case of emergency. Bring your medical cards, license,
Take a xanax and just enjoy the ride. for a long ride or a plane ride, my daughter takes an immodicum so the diarreah won't kick in before a trip. 3 hours isn't even from breakfast to lunch!!!
Just think how great it will be to see her every time a' what if' creeps in. that's how I managed the 16 hour trip to North Carolina and the 18 trip to South carolina!!
Also, remember, your body when anxiety hits is just trying to keep you alert and prepared to fight something. Your mind confuses this. Your blood flows to your fingers/toes..to prepare for a fight and away from your brain..thus the dizzies..tell yourself you are not in any danger..you aren't. ask your husband to go slow for you and also....research secondary highways to travel on to stay out of heavy highway traffic, while you retrain your brain to let go of the fear.
Panic Away is a great resource..a fabulous e-book you can buy and has a forum you can join too. It helped me. but we have to continue to challenge ourselves and also remember how brave we are to even do some of the things we do despite our fears. Honey, you're already half way there if not further..give yourself a pat on the back and let the anxiety flow through you and then tell it to take a hike. xo