I have travel anxiety

[Panicker]

Hello my names Nathan I'm from the uk but I'm traveling around Australia I have OCD, anxiety and depression do this makes things ten times harder I've been living in hostels for 3 months now and the noise and the people are really starting to piss me off now, there's noise everywhere you try and sleep there's someone snoring or someone talking loudly on the phone being obnoxious laughing loudly, we have a film room but there's still rude idiots who talk through the film and there's music blaring out people being idiots making stupid noises outside showing off, I can't even go to room watch something as the wifi doesn't work. Sorry to go on I'm going on a trip around Australia in a few days with an organised group I'm scared that their all gonna be a bunch of morons I've had bad experiences before in Tasmania where this girl I was attracted too treated me like crap she gave me such vulgar looks we were at wineglass bay in Tasmania beautiful place I honestly felt horrible I was so anxious crying all the time not one person asked if I was ok, I'm really sorry to go on I just really don't want this to happen again I want to travel that's my life life goal don't want anyone to spoil it for me I'm worried if it happens again I'm gonna really lose my temper and hurt that person please help me I need a support group to help me I don't wanna feel like I'm the only one thanks Nathan

[BballJ]

Hi Panicker,

Firstly, welcome to the forums.

This is a tough one to give advice on, with these groups you travel with, is there a lead group guide at all? Someone you can speak to about any of these things? Are you travelling with a friend even?

My first thought and suggestion especially if things are getting rough and you feel you may lose your temper, take a step back and call the Beyond Blue helpline on 1300 22 4636 - they are available 24/7 to discuss any feelings you are going through. There is even a chat online function to them between 3 pm and 12 am - 7 days a week. They are trained professionals who you are speaking to, either by phone or chat - Just FYI, these forums with people like myself are generally just mental health sufferers who share their experience and advice, we are not trained professionals by any means so that is why I gave those two options.

I do hope the trip gets better for you and you can start enjoying it.

My best for you,

Jay

[white knight]

Hi panicker,

Jay has given very good fundamental advice. I hope you keep a copy of those contacts handy.

Your anxiety is common. Treatment is usually in the form of meds, relaxation techniques and therapy along with good diet and especially exercise. Exercise calms you down, it spends energy.

But there are also self help ideas. Some are covered in the following threads. Google them

Topic: be radical- beyondblue

Topic: the balance of your life- beyondblue

In the balance of your life there is links to

youtube maharaji sunset

Youtube maharaji the perfect instrument

Two great sites by an amazing guru in reality and logic. He has many more videos

But also there is self help in terms of isolating, actually insulating yourself from the annoyance of humans.

Topic: the fortress of survival- beyondblue

To keep your distance from others is essential for those with mental illness. No joining committees, limited attendance in shopping centres, avoid crowds etc.

So personally I'd separate myself from that mob, buy a $30 two man tent and camp 4 out of 5 nights in the bush. On the fifth day I'd book into a caravan park to do my washing etc.

Over time you will perfect this "safe distance" technique.

Its an art form most of us need to learn to survive among others.

And if you think these humans are inconsiderate, selfish and unreasonable you are spot on. But you wont change them, but you can avoid them and find contentment.

Hope you enjoy your trip

Tony WK

[geoff]

hello Nathan, I'm sorry because all this continuous noise can annoy someone, it's actually called 'Misophonia' and can be related to your OCD, imagine someone scrathing their fingers on the chalk board, how awful it makes you feel, but it doesn't affect everyone only those sensitive to noise.
It makes you feel anxious, uncomfortable and all you want to do is leave the situation, or perhaps attack the person making all the noise, which you won't be allowed to do, but that's how you feel.
Google 'Misophonia' cures and see whether there is something you may find helpful, but can I say that I don't like continuous noise as I've also got OCD, the music from someone next door, all you can hear is boom boom it's drives me crazy.
I would suggest you also google this 'misophonia support group australia', as there is an online support as well, and don't feel guilty for having this, I'm sure there is a huge amount of people suffering from it, and one small sound builds up to something that you can't turn off.
Let me know how it goes, because I'm interested. Geoff.

[Big_chook]

Hi all... newbie here... I'm usually quite sane... however my major trigger for my chronic anxiety is about 4 weeks out from travelling and supposedly having a wonderful holiday with my grown up family .

however I am filled with the most constant DREAD that something will happen and I won't be able to return home ... I always choose Safe Countries (Fiji) this year but am sooo anxious that I am sooo tempted to just cancel the holiday ... then I dread the idea that if I allow myself to do that then I may never be able to travel again

ps I travel OS every year and the same absolute dread fills me with severe anxiety each time .... HELP