im so worried about going on holiday

I am 20 years old and in a few days i am going on holiday for a week with my boyfriend and his family (mum, dad, sister &boyfriend, brother &fiancee + baby girl)

We have been dating for just over a year now but due to my extreme shyness, anxiety (and the cost of fuel) i never really got to know his family members.

As i mentioned before, i suffer with anxiety, ive never been to the doctors about it because it seems to be a mixture of all the different types ranging from social anxiety to agoraphobia and im worried the doctor wont be able to figure out what help i need but the anxiety that this post is about is my 'travel anxiety'

Basically it will take me over 3 hours to drive from my house to the holiday site. My boyfriend is taking me as i have yet to learn (i cant help but feel my reluctance is connected to my anxiety) and because my boyfriend panics a lot when driving to new places, his parents have decided to drive with us and show him the way (his satnav recently gave up the ghost) but this is where my problem comes in..when im in the car for more than 10/15 minutes, my heart starts pounding, my breathing becomes shallow, i feel nauseous and my stomach starts getting "upset" so i begin panicking...i dont know why i panic...and it usually ends up with my boyfriend pulling over and trying to calm me down while i hyperventilate and sob.

My boyfriend has apsergers so he doesnt always understand..one time he even said "cant you just stop it? Just try to be normal" (believe me he got an earful that time) i get so embaressed when it happens. He has told his parents about it and they said that they dont mind stopping halfway through the journey for a break which is very very sweet of them and it makes me very happy but i get so worried that im going to have a freak out halfway down the motorway and my boyfriend cant stop...especially if i need the loo...

Does anyone have any tips on coping with travel anxiety or settling an upset stomach? (Thats the worse problem when im travelling since if you puke, you puke but....*excuse my crass words* pooping on the side of the road is not only humiliating but its disgusting and unsanitary)

This anxiety has stopped me from...living really...i just want to be able to enjoy the holiday and get to know the family members without embaressing myself and locking myself away out of shame.

Hello and welcome!

You have received some great advice by Hibee above, so I will just add a couple more resources/ideas to possibly make your trip smooth sailing.:)

First of all, stay positive and envision a perfect trip, with no anxiety. This will set the tone and keep your mind in a good place, rather than anticipating negative outcomes.

Start practicing coping skills to get you through in a relaxed state. Here are some I pulled for you from our Resources. Start learning them NOW, so you are ready, should you need to rely on them during the drive. They are very effective!

Self Help sites with breathing/relaxation exercises instructions

Panic attack relief exercises:

 

http://www.moodjuice.scot.nhs.uk/panic.asp

http://www.healthcentral.com/anxiety/c/73076/34334/breathing-lessons/

http://www.healthyplace.com/

http://www.stress-relief-exercises.com/

http://www.ehow.com/video_4405003_breathing-exercises-panic-attacks.html

http://www.psybersquare.com/anxiety/panic_relax_I

Finally, I would recommend bringing along some Immodium in case your digestive system starts reacting...this way perhaps you could avoid any 'D'...if you take it at the first sign of discomfort.

You can do this! When you return, please think about going to the doctor and getting the help you need...there is help and hope!

Consider continuing to post with us as well...support is key!

Scaredy Cat