ANXIETY WITH TRAVELLING

[GypsyAvalon]

Hi Everyone,

I have a bit of a dilemma I need help with. My husband and I would like to plan a weekend getaway in January to Queensland but I have had much trouble travelling in the past. I have a fear about being too far away from home and from my doctor and psychologist, in case I start to feel unwell.

This has stopped me travelling any more than 3hrs away from home.

Would really appreciate your thoughts or suggestions on this.

Many Thanks

[white knight]

Hi GA, Welcome

Don't let it affect your holiday. Tell your doctors of your plan and the dates you'll be away. If unwell phone them.

The other thing is to seek a local doctor. Have on you at all times the doctors that treat you. Tell him/her of your current issue and they are likely to ring them anyway.

There is a positive in seeing other doctors. You'll always get another opinion and you cant ever have too many opinions. Just discount the opinion that you believe isn't a correct one. And don't condemn a doctor for an incorrect opinion. They are humans too.

Enjoy your trip.

Tony WK

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi GypsyAvalon,

Thanks for reaching out.

Can I ask what sorts of things that you're worried about when travelling?  That way I can try and give more specific advice.

But if you're looking for general advice:

- A MedicAlert bracelet.  This can be really useful if you are prone to anxiety/panic attacks and are unable to communicate.

- Stock up - depends on what you need and what helps you but might include anything like; extra medication, eye masks for headaches/bright lights, soft toys or stress balls, books/art projects to distract you, notebooks to keep a record of what's going on, lots of water and snacks, your pillow, photos from home, etc.

- Details of who you can call. This might be a psychologist, GP or even have LifeLine or BeyondBlue as a speed dial in your number. It might also be about checking in with a friend everyday.

Hope this helps - feel free to let me know if this doesn't help and I can try and give more specific advice.

Take care,

[GypsyAvalon]

It's mainly intrusive thoughts that have troubled me in the past.

I have spoken to my psychologist who said I can ring him if needed so that has taken some pressure off.

I just have a fear of feeling anxious and not be able to cope with it when I am far away from home which leads me to not travelling too far from home.

I have pretty good mental health at the moment and it's that fear of upsetting this balance that feeds the anxiety

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi GypsyAvalon,

Thanks for your comment.

That's great that your psychologist has allowed you to ring him when needed - know that there is also the BeyondBlue support line or Lifeline so you are never alone.

Try to remember that the skills you've been using to deal with your anxiety you can still use when travelling. I know it can be harder because you're in a different place, but you can still do this.

One of the things I learned from my psychologist was about controlling my breathing, making an effort to relax and being aware of my thinking.  Those skills, I can use anywhere.  It might even be useful for you to bring headphones and an app or music - this way if you feel like you're getting to overwhelmed, it can help block out some of the extra noise and make it less overwhelming.

Hope this helps! Take care,