Going home

[Pat-rick1]

So my sister surprised me with a trip back to Ireland for a week at Easter,Going by car .

To say I’m anxious is a understatement.

[paxo05]

You will be fine. Try finding things to direct yourself and ways that work for you to cope.

Enjoy the break. .....ok this is easier said than done but hope you manage it and remember HAVE FUN.

Pax

[steve55]

i understand where you are coming from there.

i had a panic attack coming back from dublin 2 years ago and i havent flown since. my problem is my daughter is getting married in dublin in august and im not looking forward to the flight,its getting closer and closer.

[cat3]

What is it about the trip that's worrying you the most Pat ?

[Pat-rick1 in reply to cat3]

The confinement, travel, in a car for so long , ferrying. I no I’m over reacting but I do have issues. The other people.

[cat3 in reply to Pat-rick1]

Fear is relative Pat, so if others don't 'get' your anxiety it doesn't mean it's not real. (I can't for the life of me go on a downward escalator & have to trail friends to look for stairs/lift.........they really don't get it).

But it's true that facing fears is often really satisfying (afterwards) and can free us from phobias. For years I couldn't drive on motorways owing to panic attacks, then my GP played a dirty trick and sent me for weekly therapy to a specialist unit........only accessible by motorway ! I stuck to the course ; week one was terrifying whereas week 52 was a walk in the park !

Could you ask your doctor for a limited supply of anti-anxiety meds to help you through panicky moments. I know GPs often prescribe them for people with fear of flying. xx

[Pat-rick1 in reply to cat3]

Omg cat that’s a great idea , I’ll get meds tomorrow, that’s made me smile x

[cat3 in reply to Pat-rick1]

A smile..............that's the best possible result Pat ! Thanks m'love............ xx

[Pat-rick1]

Sorry about the rant

[paxo05 in reply to Pat-rick1]

Don't be sorry and you are not over reacting. Try breaking the journey with several stops. Try not to let the anxiety build to high before stopping.

As for ferry keep having walks. We visit friends in northern Ireland and ferries are bad for me. I can't go near the railings as well ....tend to want to jump...Not good.

Plan your journey withrough your sister explaining why you need the stops.sure she will understand.

Have a great time.

Pax

[sealiphone]

I gave up trying to explain my symptoms to family members I didn't see on a regular basis, if I was flagging at any get together I'd feign a migraine.

I still use that one with strangers, it's accepted as bad and a good excuse to go and chill!

On car journeys I always try and have as many stops as possible, since my TBI I've never traveled by boat or plane, so I'm not sure if it would be a problem. I often find things difficult when overloaded, if I was on a boat I suspect a cabin for my migraine would help immensely!

[Pat-rick1 in reply to sealiphone]

I flew a few times since my BI , it wasn’t till I flew alone I released I had serious issues. I no I won’t be alone. I’m just dreading it

[cat3]

Pat, is your sister fully aware of your phobia ?

[Pat-rick1 in reply to cat3]

She is aware cat , but not in detail. Iv tried to explain my concerns. But all I get is ,you will be grand sure I’m with you. Its embarrassing explaining to people that your a wreck and that you need space etc , especially family members .

[cat3 in reply to Pat-rick1]

Will it be just you and your sister or will there be other family members going along ?

[Pat-rick1 in reply to cat3]

As far as I no it’s just the two of us traveling. Maybe one off her sons or husband will come as well. I’m afraid too ask lol

[cat3 in reply to Pat-rick1]

OK, Easter is just around the corner so you need to either phone your sister and come clean, or talk to your GP about the meds. I'm sure if it was a surprise the trip is meant to be an enjoyable treat from your sister so, if you go into meltdown she could feel let down.

But if you talk to her and confide about what for you is a real anxiety, it'll not only relieve some of your tension...............but she would be fore-warned & maybe supportive.

Also, try to focus (hard) on the positives ?? Just want you to enjoy your visit (I'm jealous as I still haven't made it to Ireland).

xx