Travelling with depression and anxiety

[Guest_9466]

Hi, I may start this thread in the wrong area, so please move it to where it belongs.

 I am travelling at the moment and has been travelling for the past three months. However, recently, my anxiety and depression have been overwhelming. The worse it gets, the more guilty I felt, as I am travelling with hubby and recently, with daughter. I felt guilty for running their holiday.

 Not sure where I am heading with this thread, except, perhaps I am trying to reach out for empathy?

Anyway, I think I did the right thing by sending hubby off to do some sight seeing on his own. Although, I didn't feel like it, I went off on my own to explore the neighbourhood. I am lucky that a friend who is now travelling, kindly shared her home with us so we can chill out until our next big adventure next week for a week. 

 We are also heading to somewhere warmer, so perhaps my spirits will be uplifted somewhat. I don't really want to go but I felt that I must. 

[Guest_9466]

Dear Yggy,

 I am still in London, just back from Budapest a couple of days ago. 

 Not sure if f you have left for your trip. If you have, I wish you a pleasant trip. It works out well for me in Budapest. I was able to relax and enjoy our stay there. Fortunately, for me, Budapest fits my criteria of an enjoyable holiday ie great weather, lovely accommodation, ability to walk everywhere, little to tempt me to spend, friendly Hungarians and reasonably priced dinning out experiences. We were not hassled by pushy hawkers and beggars.

We stayed in a great neighbourhood and did not feel that we should be on our guard against petty thefts. My advice of having a great holiday is not to be overwhelmed by a pack travel itinerary. Don't feel that you need to see everything and do everything. When hubby suggested doing something which I wasn't too keen on doing, I suggested that we split up and meet after a couple of hours. This way both of us get to enjoy ourselves.

Wishing you a happy trip.

[Guest_2350]

Hello MorningGlory,

 we are in the same time zone now! I was pretty bad the last couple of days before we left and did a lot of exercises to snap myself out of it - now I just feel numb, once again. I feel like I am watching from outside, doing all the right moves when seeing family and friends, but I feel disconnected and I find that so sad.

But I am okay. I am still worried about the trip, we have a packed program with a large group of people. We organised this trip for a couple of years, when I was still fine, so it is a little bit difficult. I am trying to be very kind to myself, taking rest, reminding myself that I am not responisble for anybody else's happiness...

I think so far I have been good because it is familiar territory, this is where I grew up, so I know every ally and everything!

How much longer will you be in Europe? We are flying to England today, traveling around Cornwall for a few days. 

Have a great time, Yggy 

[Guest_9466]

Dear Yggy

We are here till Tuesday or Wednesday before heading to Paris. It is ok to be sad and sometimes to be numbed too. Whenever, I feel anxious, it is my inner child that is reaching out for comfort, for reassurance and for acknowledgment of her pain. What I would do, if I can, is to find the adult Morning Glory (she is there somewhere) is to 'say' to my inner child, that I am there for her, that it is alright, to soothe and comfort her, does that make sense. Quite often, that is enough to bring me to the present. 

 Have you got a couple of words/ phrases eg breathe, peace, it is ok to feel this or I am ok to bring yourself to the oresent. Wear an elastic band that you can snap to bring yourself to the present. Learn to stay in the present, even if it is only for a few minutes.

Above all, know that you have the support of this community to fall back on should you need to reach out. Be kind to yourself. 🙂