New on the 7Cups Blog:Traveling with anxiety
Yes!! I get SO anxious when I travel, I'm constantly worried about missing connections, forgetting or losing things, making a mistake that gets me lost or detained at security. It's very frustrating, because I love to travel and I want so badly to see the world, but my anxiety makes it hard. I kind of want to just jump into it and say **** anxiety, but I think my parents are worried.
@RosyOctopus Yes I'm constantly checking that I have everything I need. Can't tell you how many times I check my bag over & over to make sure I didn't leave anything behind. Or if I'm staying at a hotel I google reviews/pics of the place constantly so I know exactly what to expect, including the area around it so I know I won't get lost or I just don't feel too worried. I want to explore more but it can be tiring & frustrating sometimes. Like I can never completely let go & relax because I constantly have too many things going on in my head of what could go wrong. Can I can I ask why your parents worry? Like what exactly do they worry about?
@Tania004 Well, the words they most commonly use (especially my dad, my mom understands anxiety a little better) are that they don't want me to go off traveling the world alone until I "stop overreacting about everything" and "learn how to handle myself on my own like an adult." I think though that they're mostly worried about if I have a panic attack and I'm alone. And I want to get past it...I want to go on a trip where there's no pressure, where I can just do me. I get most anxious in airports when I'm trying to find where I'm supposed to go, or when I'm leaving and I'm worried I've forgotten something, or that someone is going to steal my stuff.
@Tania004 I'm the same. I obsessively try to plan every aspect of my trip and worry about what might not go to plan (transport delays, losing things, getting lost etc.) I used to love being spontaneous but my anxiety has taken control.
I get anxiety only at airports but I don't blame myself the environment can be a bit stressful. With security screenings, unfamiliar faces, awkward social settings, it can get hectic. Although when on car rides I can take my time enjoy the view and be at one with myself.
I got on a plane on my own for the first time ever yesterday. It was actually OK, but I panicked a bit on the way to the airport.
One thing I did feel though - it was an overnight transatlantic flight and I'd have really liked to sleep but was so anxious about putting my seat back and the person behind me being unhappy about it that I didn't... Anyone else have this problem?
My anxiety kicks up a stink with me when I go the shops only 25mins away from my comfort zone my house its horrible my neck gets all itchy and red sore very sore that's just being around people in the shops and being out when I didn't want to go out but had no choice I was made to go out by my partner and not on my own terms and when ready if I have to travel 2 hours away I get a bit on edge but I talk to myself or my daughters and put the radio on to help and that settles down the anxiety line a bit
