Traveling & anxiety

[melbrown]

My husband & I are going on a much needed vacation with some good friends. Though I know we will have fun, my anxiety is very worked up... a ton of what ifs. I was wondering if anyone has any tips on how they deal with their anxiety and depression when they go on vacation. My therapist suggested a anxiety kit. So far I have lavender oil, a small stuff animal (🐙), silly putty & will get some extra special chocolate/candy... anything else people have found helpful?

Thanks, Mel

[Hidden]

I take Xanax if not driving.

[melbrown in reply to Hidden]

My meds are already packed, though we don't leave for like 10 days... including my just incase I need it Ativan. We're flying, so definitely have them in my carry on.

[Sillysausage234]

Hi Mel have you ever tried the elastic band around your wrist,twang it when you start getting stressed it does distract your brain ...

[melbrown in reply to Sillysausage234]

Good idea, haven't done that in a while. I'll look around for a hair tie before I go, so won't be out of place. Thanks Alan.😁

[Sillysausage234 in reply to melbrown]

And big muffins are a good distraction....chocolate chip ones ....enjoy your road trip 🤔....😊🌤...ps lots of Jessie j live at Glastonbury too

[melbrown in reply to Sillysausage234]

Lol... well our flight does leave at 8 am... maybe too early for cake ... but muffins are basically breakfast cake 😁Jessie J 😍

[Sillysausage234 in reply to melbrown]

😂🎶....you know what is coming Mel ...hold on

[Sillysausage234 in reply to Sillysausage234]

youtu.be/Pv6ykXHiU0Q(Not working as expected?)

[DavMath2]

What I do is pray and pray for safe travels, faith is a lot of help knowing god has you! I also as I breath in then out I say to myself (breath in) good thoughts in (breath out) bad thoughts out for a few minutes and it’ll help your thoughts cause you focus on that and it will also as you say that it’ll make you take good breaths in and out! Also remember to breath into your stomach and not your chest!! God bless and I hope you have a good trip! Also not to forces any religion onto you but if you would like look up proverbs 3:5-6

[melbrown in reply to DavMath2]

Thanks DavMath2. Mindfulness breathing is definitely I try to do... hard for me to get into it. It does help & easy to do... putting my hand on my heart helps when I do it. I'm not super religious, but I will look up Proverbs.

[LovelySnow]

I like the anxiety kit idea. And it sounds like you have good items already. I'm not a huge reader on trips, but I know many like to bring books. I do bring paper, though, or a journal so I can write. I also like to have music with me. I really like your silly puddy idea. 👍 I don't have any, but I have a stress ball thingy.

I had a therapist suggest something similar to me - bring an object with you that reminds you of calm, or brings you comfort. Of course we could talk about Dumbo & his feather (everything we need is inside us all along...), but I'm not perfect - sometimes I need a little assist.

[melbrown in reply to LovelySnow]

Hi Snow. I almost forgot a journal...lol. I took a PTSD class, we were told Play dough, silly putty, craft stuff can be real calming. She brought us Play dough to play with in class & it helped. Gets the mind focus on something else. Silly putty is easy to have in my purse & not messy. Anything to bring us comfort is a good thing... being perfect is overrated 😊

[LovelySnow in reply to melbrown]

Yes! I love play dough! Stuff like that really does get your mind off things.

And I so totally agree - perfect shmerfect.

[Sillysausage234 in reply to LovelySnow]

🙋🏻‍♂️🏉... 😊

[LovelySnow in reply to Sillysausage234]

🐴🐼🐩🐥🐯🐛

😊😆

[Sillysausage234 in reply to LovelySnow]

🤣

[LovelySnow in reply to Sillysausage234]

I wish I could see alllll the emojis you send! (Sometimes they show up as boxes w/an X in it... Oh well - I just picture something fun. )

Have a good day/night!

[Sillysausage234 in reply to LovelySnow]

I can see all yours some great random ones love the panda 🐼 😂give me a giggle last night 😊you too snow have a lovely weekend with sunshine ☀️

[LovelySnow in reply to Sillysausage234]

Haha. That's good! Yesss! Don't get to use the panda too much! It is quite cute. You, too - happy sunshiney weekend!🌞🐆🐚

[laxma]

Mel I am going through the same thing - So this week I started writing a note in the first person about the days leading up to the trip and the day we leave- examining all the what if's. It has helped me realize some of my thoughts are not true and I will get thru it

[melbrown in reply to laxma]

Thanks.Sounds like a good idea. I know my doctor says I'm in good health... I have bad health anxiety. Trying to calm that part by reminding myself a friend, that's going, is a nurse. That I've been away before. And will be with love ones. Hope you have a good trip.

[Hidden in reply to melbrown]

Mel, I think I also can pinpoint my anxiety to being “health anxiety.” Can you say more about that?

[kenster1]

a big crossword puzzle book a good reading book some soothing music.

[melbrown in reply to kenster1]

🙋🏼‍♀️ Ya, have to figure a good book... have a pile to choose from. Our house has no shortage of books. Plus was thinking of starting the Claire Weeke's book I picked up. Crossword book might be good for distraction... though my husband might snag it. lol

[Hidden]

I always have an audiobook or a Netflix series downloaded for planes or long car journeys and just try to get lost in them x

Good luck it sounds fun!! X

[Starrlight]

Something chewy like candy or gum. Something like a smooth colorful stone or something that says happy and calm to you. Best to you!

[77Horse]

Hello Mel

I think the anxiety kit is the best one . I am so pleased I am not alone . I can never sleep on holiday and I just worry about stupid things like getting ill .

I hope you have a lovely time and try not to let the what ifs effect your holiday !

Best wishes