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Afraid to travel

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Posted 9/18/2013 10:45 PM (GMT 0)
Hello,

Lately I've been worried about my upcoming trip to Cali for Disneyland. I know it should be a fun and happy vacation but my mind just keeps having bad thought like I'm going to get really Ill and die or have a mega uncontrollable anxiety attack and won't know what to do to stop it. Have any advice?


~Ciara~
Posted 9/19/2013 1:43 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you.i will try doing that
Posted 9/19/2013 7:49 AM (GMT 0)
"get really Ill and die" - traveling doesn't make this more likely. In fact, it'll maybe make it less likely, once you find a way to calm down. Exercise, fresh air, time with loved ones? Good, good, good.

"have a mega uncontrollable anxiety attack and won't know what to do to stop it" - I haven't personally been to Disney. Most theme parks, though, have medical stands here and there. Visitors sometimes need minor medical help for various reasons - scraped knees or eating too many nachos before a roller coaster for example. lol Anyway, if that were to happen, I'm pretty sure you won't be away from easily accessible medical help. It might even be free. ;)

I wonder if you could do some online CBT, specifically focusing on your fears?

You can overcome this - I can't wait to hear how awesome your trip was!
Posted 9/19/2013 8:03 AM (GMT 0)
Berock,

Do you know a good website I can get on? I'm hoping for an awesome trip as well! Thank you for your advice.
Posted 9/19/2013 8:06 AM (GMT 0)
Have you tried Mood Gym from the resources page? It's great general CBT.

Also, I have some worksheets that I could email you that you could use to focus on your trip in particular, if you'd like. Is your email on your profile public?
Posted 9/19/2013 8:18 AM (GMT 0)
Here's a website with a lot of worksheets for free download. I downloaded the "What If" worksheet and it looked like it could be helpful. The "Decatastrophising" worksheet did, too. You might peruse the other. Probably just as helpful/more helpful than what I have on my email.

The file downloaded and seemed fine. However, I'm on a Mac, which tend to be less susceptible to viruses. (Just have to throw that out there because I worry about harming people. So, suggesting a download worries me about causing harm to their computer. Yep, there's a reason I'm on this forum. haha)

www.psychologytools.org/download-therapy-worksheets.html

Post Edited (BeRock) : 9/19/2013 2:34:56 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 9/19/2013 9:26 AM (GMT 0)
I put my email on show so you can send me those worksheets. Thank you. It is greatly appreciated!
Posted 9/19/2013 4:33 PM (GMT 0)
Hi W.W.

Definitely check out the Resources and the link that B.R. has sent you!! They will help tremendously.

All I can add is that I once spent several days in the 'Magical Kingdom' during probably the most intense anxiety periods of my life.

I had experienced one of the worst attacks ever, the night before we left. I had yet to see the doctor about my issues, and did not even know if I was suffering exclusively from anxiety, or something more.

We live in Northern California, so we were driving. I focused on entertaining our then 3yr old , and trying to keep it together for the 7/8 hr. ride...but I was full of dread.

When we first got there, it was a rough start...but things got better as I realized that I was not going to 'have and episode'.

I did have to stay out of the crowds...so I didn't line up for the live shows or the parades for instance, but other than that, it was really fine.

I am sure that if you stay within your comfort zones and use the coping skills that you are going to be okay, and will even finding yourself having a great time.:)

Keep us posted, we will be here to support and cheer you on!

S.C.
Posted 9/19/2013 6:08 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you S.C.,

I will look over those resources. I am actually getting ready to go talk to my counselor right now. I feel like I'm ready to snap. I can't take this torturous fight with anxiety anymore. Waking up every morning with an attack and crying all day. I need more help. My buspar seems to be making it worse. And I need to be stronger for my son:( thank you, you are a lot of help as well. I just need to go fourth with this Disneyland trip and just conquer this fear head on.
Posted 9/20/2013 1:29 AM (GMT 0)
I personally do not like to travel either. It really makes me uneasy but I always keep a few Xanax in my bra - which I hardly ever have to take- but it eases my mind knowing I have them handy if I do have an attack. I always take a few minutes to myself before I leave my house or board the plane. I regroup my positive thoughts and pray. Anxiety is all in your head which is blessing and a curse as you know. We have the power to turn it off yet we usually let it take us for a wild ride. I have always regretted missing out on going somewhere because of anxiety but have never regretted facing my anxiety and traveling - I always come back refreshed and full of hope that I am beating this beast we call anxiety.
Posted 9/20/2013 7:26 AM (GMT 0)
PaisleyG,

I am really trying to prepare myself for this trip because I really do just wanna have fun! And yes I just wish turning off this anxiety was super easy! But when it does come time for this trip, I am defiantly gonna take your advice and bring my adivan pills with me! Just in case. Thank you!
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