Anxious to go on holidays?

[Rose3]

Hi All

This is my first post here on BB forums, so apologies if this thread has already been started elsewhere.

I just wondered if any others here suffer from anxiety when planning on going on a holiday, even if for just a few nights.

This time, last year I remember when I was planning my 5 weeks overseas holiday with friend whom I had never travelled with before, I got very anxious as the weeks approached the date to leave. I had no idea what to take with me or pack, as I hadn't travelled in years. The panic became more obvious as the departure date approached that I wondered if I could even manage to get on the plane. It was not the flight I was worried about, just the thought of being away for 5 weeks. Thankfully I did, and my nervousness/anxiety reduce as the days abroad settled in and we had a wonderful holiday.

I'm planning another short break in June just interstate, with another friend, and I'm again feeling anxious about going.

Does anyone have same problem, and if so, what do you do to help prevent the anxiety.

Cheers

Sue

[Nurse_Jenn]

Hi Sue,

Welcome to the beyondblue forum. It is great to see you reaching out to get some support for your worry. I am sorry to hear that your anxiety about going on a trip has resurfaced. Anxiety, or worry as I tend to refer to it, can often recur with some triggers. It is common for a person's trigger to be the anticipation of an event, an appointment, a date, a medical test, etc. The lead up to 'something' can be a dreadful period for people who have anticipatory anxiety and then typically, when the event arrives, everything is okay. I have had periods of anticipatory anxiety leading up to flying in a plane. I managed to get through it using strategies I learned seeing a counsellor but it was stressful having to travel due to this worry. You are not alone.

Here is a link to information on anxiety on the beyond blue website that you may find helpful https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/anxiety

Preventing any anxiety takes a bit of work and persistence but it can be achieved. There are some great threads on the forum that you can read though or you could try a strategy that some people have had success with called Mindfulness. Mindfulness allows you to rest your thoughts and allow them to pass through your mind without attaching an emotion to them. The practice trains you to stay in the moment. You could try it out by using an app called Smiling Mind. Another option would be to ask your GP if there is a group Mindfulness course running in your area. https://www.smilingmind.com.au

Another strategy could be to try a free online course called Mindspot. It is for people with anxiety and depression symptoms and can be done online with the support of a counsellor on the phone. It can really help you to understand you worry better and why your brain behaves in a certain way. You have to be over 18 to try the courses. You can visit the site and have a look by going to www.mindspot.org.au.

Another alternative is a program is the Developed by Beyond Blue program NewAccess. It is also free and offers people with low mood and worry sessions with a specifically trained coach. You can read more about it but it is only available in some areas of Australia. You can check here to see if it is offered in your area https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/newaccess

The sooner anxiety is treated, the faster the healing. A visit to your GP to discuss these and other options would be valuable.

Wishing you the best possible outcome,

Nurse Jenn

[Rose3]

Thanks so much Nurse Jenn for your advice.

I have been seeing a physiologist about my anxiety, but its early days.

I will check out your links. Thanks again