Canceled Trip

Ed

Sorry you weren't able to go thru with your trip but congratulations for having the guts to allow yourself to not do something you are ready for.

Maybe next time.

I wish you all the best- keep trying!

Hey b.b.,

I am sorry to hear of your dilemma. It is really hard when you want to do something, but feel like you can't due to your anxiety.

We have all backed out of something at some point for this reason.

There is a fine line between knowing your limits and not setting yourself up for misery...and pushing your boundaries enough to stretch and increase your tolerance for the things that you fear.

Perhaps it is not going to work for this trip...but you can start increasing your safe zone now for future adventures.

Start with taking a no pressure/small/short trip just outside of your area. Be sure that you have no obligations and don't even book something overnight at first...in case you need to return home, you won't lose you investment on a hotel room.

If you feel overwhelmed, you can go home...but keep trying until you have desensitized your fears. Each successful trip, increase your distance and length...using an exposure therapy type model to get past this issue.

Then the next time a family event comes up that requires you to travel...you will be there with a giant smile for everyone!

You may even find yourself traveling for pleasure before you know it.;P

You did not let anyone down, I am sure that they understand...but if you can use this as motivation for the next time, then you have even gained from this experience!

Talk to you soon,

S.C.

You aren't ready. Don't beat yourself up. Besides, what good would you be to anyone if you were uncomfortable and miserable the entire time? Just use this as a starting point to get better so you'll make the next event, HAPPY AND CONFIDENT!

Hello,
I know what you mean. I haven't had this particular problem for a long time, but since my health anxiety was triggered I have found I am more anxious on trips or leaving town somewhere an hour or two away. I think it's because I am afraid I am no longer safe when I am traveling because, as a Texan, help on the road is far in between because towns are so spaced out. I am afraid I'll have a heart attack or other major health infraction that I will die from not being able to get help in time. I recently was going to go on a trip to Alabama with my family and on my way to my hometown to depart with them I had a major panic attack. I was so afraid and scared and had so many physical symptoms I, for the first time in my life, called 911 and had an ambulance take me to the hospital (was only 15 minutes away but I couldn't concentrate to move more than a few 100 feet). It was at that point I started to realize I had to get my anxiety more under control before I tried to leave out of town again.
Currently I am on a trip to San Antonio (about 3 hours or so from where I live) and I think what is different about this trip is that I went with someone else. I didn't have to drive alone. Even though I had have some anxiety about being alone (I am in my own room) I have reassured myself I will be Ok. I even had an episode today in training, twice, and I just reminded myself I am around people that will care and assist me if something happens. I haven't even thought about it until now but the building I have been training in is right next to a clinic and to a CT scan building. So if things were THAT major I would still be Ok.
It takes time, and as others have said take baby steps at first. It might take you going with someone else and staying by yourself to get you used to it like I have done.

Good luck and may your travels find you home,
Rxclusion