trying to travel with anxiety???

Question

Ok, So almost two years I moved away from my home town and it was about 6 months into my anxiety disorder, but at the time I had no problems with traveling. For the last year travel has been impossible, I even tried it back in march, and it is only a 6 hour drive from where I live now to where I used to live. I got 2 hours away from my destination and freaked out and had to get my bf to turn the car around and take me home. BUT tomorrow I have an opportunity to go up there for a week but am so scared I am going to go through this panic again this time. any tips to help me get there? also I have som pretty weird stomach problems due to stress and anxiety and I keep thinking that I am going to get up there but I am going to end up really sick and unable to come home, because I am terrified of the car when my belly starts acting up. ughhh

Answer 1

I was wondering, is there any possibility of you sleeping a good portion of your trip? Taking Benedryl (allergy medication) can make you sleepy (and its ingredient is the base of most sleeping pills) The more relaxed you are, the less tense and stressed your stomach will get.

Notice some calming things you have at home. Favorite pillow, blanket, shirt, teddy bear ... soothing food. Take these with you in the car, using them to help you keep calm.

Now, here is something we used with kids with handicaps:
Write out a short and simple story. State what will happen, in the order it will happen, and what positive things you can expect on your drive there, and as you arrive on your visit. Write it in a re-assuring positive tone. (You might ask your boyfriend to write this for you) Before you leave, if you find yourself becoming anxious or having questions, read the story. During the trip, if you feel tension or questions, read the story as many times as you need to to calm and reassure yourself. Take along something mild to drink and some crackers to nibble on. Keeping a little something on your stomach can help too.

Answer 2

Wow!! Sounds like we are a lot alike!!! I have the same problems (tummy issues, getting nearly there and having to turn home, etc)! I recently took a 5 hour trip to Chicago with my children, minus my hubby (that is a HUGE thing because he is my rock). I really dreaded leaving let me tell ya!! I did it though. I just went totally positive...I boosted myself up about going (thinking about the positives). I promised myself that I would NOT turn around...believe me, there were a couple of points that I almost did...but I just pushed on and on. That's my best advice for you is to push through the fear...you CAN do IT!!! I also bought Bachs Rescue Remedy spray...which I never USED, but I kept it in my purse as a safety measure!!! Try getting something to keep with you that will make you feel safe!!

It sounds like you are really looking forward to this trip...so go FOR IT...make a change in your life and do this FOR YOU! YOU WILL BE ABLE TO DO IT!!!! Load up some great music and engage your mind a bit!!!


GOOD LUCK xoxo