GAD

[Annefran46]

hi I have suffered with anxiety most of my life. I get anxious when I’m put into a new situation or have to go on vacations. I would actually make myself sick, need to go to bed and sleep and it would affect my appetite. I outgrew or I thought I had until around menopause. Around that time my mom was very sick, I had to travel for work and leave my young daughter with my ex or mom. My mom would make me feel guilty for leaving her or if we would go on vacation away from her. That’s about the time my anxiety came back.

My mom has since passed, my daughter is grown and I vacation alone with friends. But I find I get myself all worked up 2 weeks prior, can’t eat, relax and just want to stay home. I don’t and push myself to go. Once I’m away I tend to calm down and take a Xanax if I need it. I think I get upset because of the “unknowns” of being away from the safety of my home. I’m not depressed and generally a happy person.

I just want to get this anxiety under control and beating myself up because I want to take a vacation! I wake up in a panic sometimes in the mornings too. Any advice as to how to get this under control? I’ve tried breathing techniques and cannot do yoga, bad hip.

[Hidden]

Are you able to take your mind to a happy place or time...it helps me out! I wish for you all the best & peace of mind! Love & Hugs!!! XXX

[Annefran46 in reply to Hidden]

I really try but doesn’t always work. I love to cruise and I want to get that excited feeling back instead of being anxious. What do you suggest for a happy place or time? Thanks for reaching out.

[Hidden]

Hi Annefran46!

The only thing I know to do is to try and logically, consciously talk yourself down using the awareness that you’ll feel fine once you arrive at your destination. Not much advice, but it’s all I got!! I do the same!!

[Annefran46 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks I do try to talk to my inner self

[gogogirl]

Have you thought about going to a meditation group?

[Annefran46 in reply to gogogirl]

No, still trying to find one in my area. But that’s a great idea. Thank you

[gogogirl in reply to Annefran46]

Thank you. If you also are a senior citizen, I wonder if there might be one available at a senior center?

[Annefran46 in reply to gogogirl]

Not a senior yet, only 58. But will take a look online to see if there are any groups. Thanks afain

[gogogirl in reply to Annefran46]

Some senior centers start membership at age 50, and some at 55 if in the USA. I believe one can also join AARP at age 50. Good luck!!!

[Tedddy]

I could have written this, word for word. I've had severe travel anxiety my entire life, and I still can't figure out why. Whether it's a European trip, or a drive to a cabin two hours away, my anxiety level is the same. For weeks I can't focus, have extreme physical anxiety symptoms (feeling sick, digestive issues, dizzy, etc etc). Xanax is a big help for me in those times too, but I can't really take it when I'm at work cause I have to commute. I am now on daily anxiety meds but I haven't traveled since I started them, so I don't know if they help with the travel anxiety yet. Sorry you have to deal with this I'm proud of you for pushing yourself and making yourself do the trips sometimes, that is huge!

[Annefran46 in reply to Tedddy]

So sorry to hear you suffer from this too. I have named it “travel frazzles”. I have had a couple health issues while away and got through them (the unknowns) I talked about. I’m trying to go the natural route with meds (GABA) does help too. I hope you can push your issues too. Much luck

[gogogirl in reply to Annefran46]

Yes, GABA has helped me also a bit as well as 5 htp. I know we are all different.

[Annefran46]

Thank you all for your thoughtful replies. Its nice to know I’m not the only one who has these issues