I suffer with anxiety which used to be very bad, it would cause me anxiety attacks at least once a day and I was so worried about my health and that each day would be my last. Thankfully I have started to come out the other side and it has got much better.
I still suffer with small simple things such as going out socially. Me and my boyfriend would like to go travelling, mainly around Asia and Australia/New Zealand. However I am worried that my anxiety will rule over my head and I will struggle to let go and enjoy the true travelling experience because of my anxiety. Even my boyfriend has said he can't see me travelling because I can't even answer the phone and talk to people and he's right..how can I do such a huge thing such as travelling, but I can't spend an hour or two having dinner with people. It's ridiculous.
I just wanted to know if there is anyone who believed they couldn't do something because of anxiety and has done it anyway and how it went. Particularly things like travelling. X
Loubielou
We travelled extensivly throughout Asia, Australia, New Zealand and the then Soviet Union. We also travelled overland along the Silk Road and China.
It is sd to see so many places destroyed by the Wars in the Middle East.
Travel never seems to allow time to suffer Anxiety or Depression as many places do seem to keep us on out toes. You will both learn a great deal especially visiting the Middle East States, although in Syria there is not much left.
Before you go check up on the Home Office Site on requirements nd safety of places you want to visit, many places need visas and you will need them before you go.
My depression hs been bad since I was a child and now I am sixty seven years old nd do not trvel abroad now. I prefer to see the country I belong to and that seems to settle me.
Personally I never had any mental helth problems when travellin just the normal gippy tummy and coughs and colds made worse by flying
Enjoy
BOB
Loubie,
See Bobs reply, he is very correct. I am in early 60's and anxiety and depression have been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. Somehow I have been able to manage although it seems to get worse when it hits me now than it did before. Sometimes I wonder how I ever got this far....didn't have all the meds they have now and didn't start antidepressants til well after college. Believe me, it hasn't kept me from traveling to 23 different countries with my husband over the years. There is always the initial anxiety and, often, panic pre- travel, but it has never kept me at home. For whatever reason, those feelings are always replaced by the thrill of the new experiences. I especially am proud of myself for traveling on my own for a temporary job in Damascus where I worked with a group of people I just met there and I only knew one person from home who met me there and had gotten me the opportunity. I spent hours after short work days roaming the streets and seeing such amazing sites that I will never forget! Beyond that, I spent 2 days on my own in Paris on the way there! My favorite city (hurts to see what's happening there). It helps that I can speak French, but the French are not the American people haters that so many think they are. I have since gone back and introduced my husband to my new acquaintances, who we have spent much time with. (Oh, forgot to mention, I also have problems with social anxiety. But it only seems to be overwhelming when I am back at home and I can't explain why). Bottom line is DO NOT ALLOW THE ANXIETY TO WIN! I think the new experiences and surroundings overtake and distract from whatever my main anxiety problems stem from.
Take a chance, you'll never know until you try and you will probably always regret it if you don't allow yourself the experience!
Debra
Hi. I've had terrible anxiety for over twenty years.at it's worst I couldn't leave the house. I thought my husband would leave me as he's really outgoing and didn't understand how anxiety could be so bad. I never wanted to do stuff and avoided all social occasions, had every excuse you can think of .over years I got help and have learned to live with anxiety , I can actually have really good days. I had same anxiety about travelling and still get anxious now thinking about travelling(it really is all anxiety though. 15 yrs ago wemoved to Spain , I was petrified, it's a big move for anyone, once settled it actually helped, I felt as though I wasn't as conscious of people judging me as no one knew me(it really is all in our heads. Also I was so busy it blocked my mind from the constant going round and round. I had support from my hubby, and just said to myself everyone worries , I just worry more. I honestly think travelling may do you good, don't get me wrong my anxiety still flares up but I manage better now, when travelling you may find your mind is taken off anxiety symptoms ass you are keeping your mind and body busy. It's just scary projecting what could go wrong( as we do). Please push yourself , or speak to doc/councillor , you may need more time but tell your partner it's something you would like to aim for in future, ❤️