girls trip

[Daisy425]

tomorrow I leave for a girls trip with 5 of my friends from work. We are going to nashville from Thursday to Sunday. I was really excited but now the anxiety is really starting to kick in. I’m so anxious about getting sick from drinking or other people getting sick from drinking. I’m also worried I’ll have a panic attack while I’m there or that I’ll be so anxious I won’t enjoy myself. The last time I went on a trip was in January with my boyfriend and my anxiety completely ruined it. It was only an overnight but j couldn’t eat and I was so anxious I felt sick the whole time. I’m worried this will happen in nashville. I don’t want my anxiety to control my life but this makes me wonder if I should just skip the trip.

[Willow2022]

Just some clarification: why the worry about getting sick regarding alcohol? Drinking too much?

[Daisy425 in reply to Willow2022]

I just have a fear of throwing up.

[Willow2022 in reply to Daisy425]

Ah I see. Don’t let your anxiety dictate what you are able to do. You will regret things you passed on because home feels more comfortable. I am the same way. Sometimes just leaving the house is a small struggle because home is safe and not stressful. BUT once I push through it and get out, I have an amazing time.

Please try and go and enjoy your friends 💜

[Daisy425 in reply to Willow2022]

thank you so much! I guess I’m worried because if for some reason I need to come home it’s not like I can drive. We have to fly to get there. I keep thinking that maybe I shouldn’t have gone on this trip, but I don’t want to miss out on the experience

[Willow2022 in reply to Daisy425]

Sometimes I think of what I am anxious about (getting sick for your case). Then I think through or write what I would do if, on the tiniest chance, that happens. If it did I know I could handle it.

You won’t be able to go home due to flight but you can go to your room or the place you are staying. You can download a meditation podcast. You can bring a book of poetry and read in a quiet place. You can draw. Anything to step away for a moment so your mind knows it doesn’t have to have a fight or flight response.

If you are comfortable, let your friends know about your anxiety and that may help.

[LoveforAll41]

I think that skipping the trip would be letting your anxiety control your life Daisy. Can you openly talk with these friends? I find that a burden shared is a burden halved. Even if they don't receive it well you can know that you shared. If they think you are a killjoy just tell them you will be their momma bear or something... I don't know the exact situation. I do know that all of my regrets with having anxiety and depression are missing out on experiences.

If you can tell them all of the things you are worried about you can know that they are at least aware and maybe why you are withdrawn or sick etc.

Do you take anything or do any therapy for anxiety? If it is before something and there is nothing I can do about the future now I like to exercise. There is nothing like being nice and tuckered out when you have to sit for travel for a while.

All of that being said, if staying home is, in all reality, the best thing for you, don't be afraid to do it.

May you have peace, strength and hope.

[Daisy425 in reply to LoveforAll41]

thank you so much for sharing. I agree that skipping would be letting anxiety win. I’ve let my anxiety win far too many times and I don’t want that to keep happening. I do have a therapist that I’ve talked to about this and I know I have all the tools in my toolbox to try to reduce my anxiety. I also have hydroxozine that I can take in addition to my Zoloft to help calm my nerves. My friends are amazing and so supportive and know that I struggle with anxiety. They completely understand that I am feeling anxious and have reassured me that it’s okay. That makes me feel better but I can’t help but worry about all the what ifs

[Artistfriend]

I agree with the comments about having the safe space back at the room where you can go for a break, i always think of that as my safe zone. Even if you have anxiety it comes and goes, there will most likely be good memories from the trip regardless and its really only two days.

You have to do whats right for you though, challenging the anxiety is always the right thing as long as its the right challenge, you have to decide that for yourself. If you go be safe and have fun!