i tried talking to people about my anxiety but they just think i'm over-reacting.

[sunnyday]

Hi, i'm just an average girl studying at uni. now that exams are over, my friend and i agreed to go on a holiday. so i booked a flight to go overseas for a holiday with my friend and as soon as i saw the email confirming this non-refundable ticket i felt really anxious all of a sudden. i couldn't sleep, i kept shaking, my heart was beating really fast like i had gone on a run and i just can't stop crying.  i'm really used to routine living in the same place, meeting the same people. i tried to overcome my anxiety in the past by starting my exam study early, exercising regularly and trying to distract myself... I know that i should be really excited about a holiday but i am scared. I know its a safe, english speaking country...  i tried talking to my parents and my friend but they don't think i'm serious and just its just travel nerves. i feel constantly really agitated and on the verge of tears... what should i do? 

[Eirenuu]

Hi sunnyday,

First of all I'd like to say well done on your exams! 🙂 It's great to see you studying and putting in effort towards your uni work.

In terms of the travel, I too have had this experience and I know how hard it can be. You feel as though you're constantly on edge? Tense? Even the smallest thing can seem huge?

I feel that some of it is travel nerves in the fact that you might be getting some heavy anxiety from the notion of going somewhere completely different and you're losing a lot of control that you normally have in your life. I'd suggest that you try and take some of that control back. Look up where you're going, make sure you plan heaps about it. Look up all the food places around, the shops, the doctors etc. For me at least that calms me down a little as I regain some sense of control over it.

Your friends and family might not understand how anxious you are because they haven't been exposed to that sort of thing before. They might not have had such a serious episode of anxiety and they just can't understand it. I have anxiety disorder and I can tell you that people do understand what you're going through and it's not just some silly little thing that you're over reacting about.

If you feel like you need to talk to someone with a voice you can try lifeline. They will listen to you and offer you support and services if you need them. You can overcome this anxiety and have an amazing holiday! 🙂

'lots of hugs'

[Able]

Hi sunnyday, I know how you feel about change, and it's a problem. I also understand that UNI exams are high pressure, and affect different people in various ways. I also don't know how long youve been under the gun to achieve at UNI, I can only surmise that a good deal of effort, and worry, went into your education. So now school is over youve dropped yourself into another substancial commitment, international holiday, and coupled it, with a friends hopes and dreams. My but you have a set of broad shoulders, it doesn't sound like you have traveled much, and perhaps, international travel is diving in a bit deep for you just yet.

A holiday is to be looked forward to, not feared, perhaps youve been caught up in your friends enthusiasm, and or coersion. If it doesn't feel good in my opinion,don't do it. As an asertive adult, with a history of achievement, you should become, your own best friend, and look out for "Your" best interests.Advise is just that, you must be true to yourself, because in the end it's all up to you.many people in life will give you the best advise to suit" their" needs, but your needs, come first.

So if worst comes to worst, put your foot down, and lay down the law with your friend, you have one life to live. You may lose a friend, and perhaps the airfair,if you can't onsell it, I can't see a holiday that begins in tears, improving.

[Narniakid]

Hi there sunnyday!

First off I'd just like to congratulate you on getting though your exams. Well done!

To help you before you go away, I'd definitely plan as much as you can. Of course, like every holiday, there is spontaneity and surprises, but if you can plan where you're staying and where you're going for the duration of your holiday, then I think that will help you get the most out of it. Organisation and preparedness is key. Perhaps have a look into some travel insurance too, if you feel that might put you at ease.

When you leave for your trip, I'd suggest taking a small box or bag of things that keep you calm or that make you happy - a diary or a colouring book, your favourite pair of socks, a vanilla scented candle, a gossipy magazine, or your favourite novel, maybe even a small cross-stitch to do on the way there. Just small things like that are good to keep with you and to distract you. When I travelled overseas for two weeks a few years ago, I took a portable DVD player with my favourite tv shows, and I took my drawing supplies too (you get extra inspired when travelling), and there were a couple of nights that I wouldn't have been able to cope if I didn't have them to calm/distract me.

I also recommend reading up on the resources available here on BB, and suggest to your friend to read the information for carers, because in case you do get anxious while on your trip, it'd be better for both of you if she knew how to helpful support you.

I hope my suggestions are somewhat useful! Let me know it goes and how your holiday is!

Crystal

[Tizlak]

'Hi sunnyday,
It's alright to be nervous when faced with new things and paths you've never experienced before. I too am a uni student trying to apply to go on exchange, and every time I fill out another form in the application process i get very agitated, my heart races faster and sometimes i get scared to send it in. Sometimes you can be fearful of a new experience but deep down your just as excited to go. Personally for someone who can be easily agitated i just try to embrace my emotions of what seams to be fear as I know deep down that I'm just too excited! What i'm really trying to say is that try not to feel like being nervous is a bad thing, it happens to all of us at times.

Hope I could help and hope you have a great Holiday 🙂
-Tizlak