Anxiety so bad!!

Can't stop shaking! Can't breathe! So frustrated about this packing & going out of town!!! I have packed SO MUCH STUFF it is ridiculous!! I have gone through my clothes at least 10 times! I can't decide what to take! I have such a hard time deciding on anything! I am so anxious about the 9 hour car ride tomorrow! I know I will be with my family, but that is not even making it any easier on me! Praying for some RELIEF & CALMNESS!

[Palmer2475]

Take enough so you feel comfortable . Make sure you take things in the car that makes you feel more comfy too. I know it doesn't help during the journey just think once your there that's it for now and your there and just try to enjoy it , I think you'd regret it if you didn't go. I've done the same, missed out and spent the week alone so I learned the hard way

[Hidden]

Hi I get very anxious too when travelling so what I do is sit down and make a list. Write down everything you need to take even as far as hankies or something. Then when you put them in your suitcase tick them all off one by one. This really helps to control my anxiety as I feel I am in control again. x

[melbrown]

I know what you mean... we just got back from visiting my in-laws last weekend. It's a 8 hour car drive that I dread.... I get horrible travel anxiety. Packing definitely adds to that, worried you'll forget something or packed wrong. I try to see how the weather is going to be at where we're going & pack accordingly. Also, what will likely needed. For this trip I packed 2 pairs of jeans (1 being "nice" jeans, for casual dressy), a couple of t-shirts, a few nicer shirts (tanks), a fun dress,a black cardigan, tennis shoes, enough underwear & pjs. I brought just the basics toiletries; sunblock/moisturizer, shower stuff, tooth stuff,brush, fav lipgloss & mascara. Wore a comfy simple dress for the drive & nice sandals that I could equally wear to the beach & dinner/out. Plenty of books, magazines & other enjoyable stuff to do in the car. I make sure to have my meds, aspirin, some favorite snacks & my water bottle filled with tons of ice & water. I try to focus on the fun pit stops we usually make & the beautiful/interesting parts of the drive. Think how much fun you'll have at the beach. I'm not sure if any of this helps... but we're here for you. Enjoy your vacation & try to focus on all the fun you'll have.

[chatnoirmd]

I used to do this, but then started asking asking myself 'will I actually need this?' It slowly started working. The good news is that there is a walmart everywhere, so if you do forget something- you're covered! I do this sometimes so I can buy new stuff lol. We've even forgotten medication and even in those cases, it all worked out!!!!

Fingers crossed and many virtual hugs

[Hidden in reply to chatnoirmd]

Thanks for the advice! I finally got it all done yesterday! I did packed too much, but oh well! IT IS WHAT IT IS!! If anyone else forgets anything, I got them covered - lol. I like the Walmart idea though! I will remember that one next time. Always love buying new stuff

[drloonbird]

Get your doctor to prescribe Xanax.

[Hidden in reply to drloonbird]

I was taking Xanax & I was doing the best I have ever done in my life. I take klonopin now & have been since 2014. Klonopin makes me so tired & it gives me bad headaches!

I've asked my psychiatrist to put me back on Xanax but he is hesitant because I have such a high tolerance to medications after being on 9 in 2012-2013. I don't care how many Xanax I have to take per day- it makes the anxiety go away!!!

[drloonbird in reply to Hidden]

I have been on 70 (yes, 70!) Different combos of medicine and Xanax is the only thing that works for me. Bet your doc never has had a true panic attack or he wouldn't be so reluctant. He is hesistant because you Can build up a tolerance and become "addicted' but I choose that any day before I want to have panic attacks. It's my only relief. I am 59 years old and managed to get a Ph.D. in spite of my panic attacks, thanks to Xanax. They can call me an addict anyday and I am proud to be able to function in life. I agree with you. I take the max dose allowable which is 2mg four times a day. Combined with Effexor XR. Works for me, thank god. I feel your pain and frustration. Get your doc on board or try another one! Some docs are weird about Xanax because they think you will get addicted. Bring it on! I want to LIVE my LIFE in a normal state and if that means Xanax, so be it!

[Hidden in reply to drloonbird]

I agree with you 100%!! And, you are right in saying that my doctor is hesitant to put me back.on Xanax because it is addictive, but all benzos are addictive!!! Xanax just had the shortest 1/2 life so we need it more often. Doctors DON'T KNOW HOW PANIC & ANXIETY FEELS because if they did they would not be so weird about it! Taking 2mg - 4 x day does not make you an addict!!! You are dependent on the Xanax, but you are not an addict. I DO think there is a difference. All I want is to LIVE MY LIFE & be CALM & NOT STRESSED ALL OF THE TIME!

Next time I see my doctor am going to tell him - Xanax or I will find another doctor! BOTTOM LINE!

[drloonbird in reply to Hidden]

Good for you. We need to feel "normal" no matter what it takes. And if Xanax is the answer, then bring it on! People without panic disorder just don't understand the frozen paralyzation and horror and depersonalization that overtakes you and you get stuck in the moment. I have even gotten catatonic a couple times and couldn't move because I was so afraid. I just just one doctor could feel what that's like. Good luck.

[Alaskca_Kid]

Best wishes. You are not alone.

[Hidden in reply to Alaskca_Kid]

Best wishes to you too!!!