Anticipatory anxiety prior to a vacation

[MARYRD27]

Does anyone feel their anxiety level rising in anticipation of a vacation that many would dream of? It sounds crazy, but I fear having extreme anxiety while on vacation and possibly ruining it for me and my friend. Five years ago I went to Europe for a month and hardly a day went by when I felt like throwing myself in front of a train and was in constant fear I would run out of Xanax.

[Britishbulldog]

Hi maryrd27,its devasting to feel like you do,are you taking any medication to help.i have been in your shoes and the feeling of anticipating a event is not nice.but there is help out there in the way of drugs and therapies best of luck.

[MARYRD27 in reply to Britishbulldog]

I’m on Celexa and I use Xanax to keep the anxiety levels down. I also have a therapist. It’s such a bummer that I have so much anxiety over things that the vast majority of people feel happy and excited over. I was probably born anxious. I have found the Anxiety and Phobia Workbook by Bourne to be very helpful.

[inkblotch]

Hello Mary. No you are not alone. Traveling to an unfamiliar place or a place that isn’t part of my day to day life still gives me so much anxiety. It’s especially difficult when the country I travel to DOES NOT ALLOW the medication I’m taking! It’s something that I have to just throw myself into because even though there is risks involved with anxiety I still choose to do because there is so much beauty in traveling and I know I would hate myself and anxiety more if I let it stop me from doing something I truly love or want to do. I hope you are able to continue taking the initiative and throw yourself into taking more of your dream vacations.

[MARYRD27 in reply to inkblotch]

Thanks. I pretty much feel the same way. I’m determined not to let it keep me homebound. Fortunately, I have Xanax which works extremely well for me. Sometimes it’s like a security blanket- just knowing I have it if I need it helps. So far, I haven’t been to a country that doesn’t allow it. What country wouldn’t allow your med?

[inkblotch in reply to MARYRD27]

Dubai didn’t allow it, but I believe most others do

[MARYRD27 in reply to inkblotch]

Do you mind saying what drug they wouldn’t allow? Was it Xanax?

[inkblotch in reply to MARYRD27]

Yes

[sweetiepye in reply to inkblotch]

I'm just wondering what risks you are referring to. I had anxiety for several years along with panic attacks. At first I stayed home then I realized I was giving up my life to this condition. I went through therapy and also made myself do the very things I was afraid of. Eventually it went away. In all the anxiety and panic attacks I had nothing ever happened to me. I would get sweaty and shaky , feel like I couldn't breath etc. but it would pass. I never told anyone and no one noticed. When I was going through this I found that I could have a pa any where. There was no safe place. It's difficult to get over, but well worth it.

[MARYRD27 in reply to sweetiepye]

I don’t remember referring to any risks. Maybe the fear of upsetting a fellow traveler who isn’t familiar with anxiety disorder? I don’t want to upset or freak out whoever is with me. Some people don’t understand and they react funny when you reach for the Xanax.

[sweetiepye in reply to MARYRD27]

I was responding to inkblotch although I appreciate your answer.

[Olinick]

Hi, you are most definitely not alone. I have such anxiety of traveling, that I haven't gone more than an hour and a half away from home in 17 years. I haven't gone on a vacation in all that time I only do stay-vacations and maybe do some day trips. I admire you for at least trying to go on a vacation. Be good to yourself and try to relax while you are on your trip. Enjoy some pretty scenery for me.

[MARYRD27 in reply to Olinick]

I’m so sorry you don’t go out. Xanax has been a lifesaver for me. You just have to be careful not to get addicted to it.

[Agdgrl]

Personally, I hate having to go anywhere in public. But, vacations are more headache than they are a pleasure. I'm exactly the same way, sure that I am going to ruin everything by having a panic attack at the most inconvenient time. Please understand that you are not alone. I just take breaks, little ones, and I talk to my friends and family to let them know if I need a break. That way, we avoid having to get embarrassed in public as much as possible. Seeing as I have Social Phobia, but still enjoy the idea of vacation and want to go for it. Best of wishes on your vacation! 😃

[Shannon00444]

Someone at work yesterday said “I have no vacation to look forward to this summer.” And was really sad about it. All I could think was “Thank God I have no vacation to dread this summer.” 🤓

[Gettingthere231]

For sure. Including the fear of running out of xanax. Keep yourself calm and take your mind off of the aniexity. GO ON THE VACATION.

[Susan512]

Hi Marry, Pray Hope and Don't Worry from Father PIO, make sure you have more than enough of you meds, and maybe if you can ask your doctor to prescribe you something that can calm you down, I take Diazepam with my other meds and it helps me not people crazy anxiety is a pain in the add, excuse my language, go on and take that fabulous vacation and have a good time. 😀

[howard327]

Hi Mary, I have agoraphobia that has made my business travel very difficult. Meds have helped me, namely Lorazepam that is a longer acting drug than Xanax. So, I have managed to travel within the USA, but I have not been able to travel to other countries. My dear wife would love to travel to France, Italy and many other countries, so I feel very unhappy about my inability to take her there. She does not want to leave me alone if she were to go by herself or with a tour.

Mary, since you able to get by with meds, you should go! Over time you should find things easier for you.

Does anyone have any advice on my situation where my wife wants to travel overseas but I am unable to go?

[MARYRD27 in reply to howard327]

Are you ok without her? My sister travels a lot, but her husband is like you. He doesn't mind her traveling without him. And she is fine traveling with friends or family.