starting to freak out

[Cimmy]

hi all, well here I go again, I’m due to go to my granddaughters birthday party tomorrow which is about 1 1/2 hours drive away and I’m making my self ill just thinking about going. I don’t think I can go but if I don’t go I will be letting the family down. I don’t drive so my husband has to take us there but if I go will I freak out??, and if I don’t go will I feel any better for letting them down. I just want to be able to enjoy myself and I’m finding it impossible, I’m just crying typing this out, I feel such a fool, my anxiety is taking over my life again and I can’t handle it. Any coping strategies that might help would be so welcomed, thanks for reading

[Loves22read]

My number one suggestion is to stop and take a few deep breaths. Try to not think about tomorrow (I know it’s hard) but try to focus only on this moment in time. Try to count numbers, do the abc’s, go for a walk or color in coring book.

Coloring is my go to strategy for trying to get out of my head. Coloring with crayons may sound silly but trust me, it does help.

As to going tomorrow. Is it the drive that’s freaking you out or the interactions with other family members?

[Cimmy in reply to Loves22read]

Hi and thank you for kind reply, it is a bit of both, the long journey from my safe

[Cimmy in reply to Loves22read]

Place, sorry about the writing I’m a bit shaky, and the interaction, I just feel very shaky and I feel like I’m going to pass out or have an anxiety attack. I just can’t relax, I only really go out if I have to and then I don’t go far but I so want to go and enjoy my family but the way I’m feeling now it seem impossible

[autumnmarie5]

I relate to your post SO much it hurts. I understand the anxious feeling about going to an event where you just want to back out. Then, when you back out, you don’t feel better because you let the others down. It’s like a spiraling feeling that you can’t get rid of😞 I hope you might be able to go with so coping mechanisms. For me I use my as needed anxiety meds that help. If you don’t have any of those, melatonin works great for me. Both of them make me tired but I would rather be tired than anxious, plus they calm down my thinking a bit. I always carry water with me and try to force myself to eat a small something. I hope you’re able to go to the party but if you just can’t go that’s okay too 💞

[AnxiousSilver]

Does your family that you are visiting know that you have anxiety?

Because if they already know, then I'm sure that they would understand if you need to leave early.

.

In the mean time, (if you decide to go) you can pack an "anxiety bag" for the trip.

In this bag, it will be all the things that you will want/need for the trip. (and to help cut down on your anticipatory anxiety)

So.. Things to bring in this bag.

Bottles of water (preferably cold), because you want to stay hydrated.

Meds. (especially if you have meds to take if you feel anxious, and take those out and put them in your purse when you get there)

A couple of different books to read. (because these will help to keep your mind distracted on the trip there)

Your cell phone. (and make sure it's fully charged before you leave)

A snack bar or two, just in case your energy levels feel low.

A crossword puzzle. (if you're not feeling like reading)

or a music player with headphones could work out too.

Out of them all, books to read (with or without listening to music) might be the best. & It will probably make the car ride trip feeling shorter.

Or maybe you may not even be in the mood for any of that, and you just might enjoy the car ride, but having that anxiety bag will (hopefully) give your mind extra options to think about on the way there.

.

& When you get there, give yourself permission to go outside. (if needed)

If your phone has internet, you can always talk to us here. (again if needed)

Hope that what I wrote helps.

[Loves22read]

Did you make it to see your family yesterday?

[Cimmy in reply to Loves22read]

Hi, yes I did, it took all my mental strength and willpower to do it and I had a few wobbles but I made it and it was good to see them all. I got home and I was exhausted but the main thing was I did it. Thank you for asking 👍🤗

[Loves22read]

That is wonderful! Good for you! 👍

It’s difficult for others to understand just how hard it is to do the “simple” things in life.