You may be prevented from traveling if you suffer from panic disorder, characterized by panic attacks and feelings of worry. To be in unfamiliar surroundings, away from the security of your own home, can make you feel uneasy. Alternatively, you may be worried that others will see your anxiety and worry. Many efforts may be taken to manage your symptoms when traveling so that you can have a good time while on your trip.
Join Forces with a Friend
Several individuals with panic disorder have a close friend or family member with whom they feel safe. Try to travel with a trustworthy friend or relative if at all possible.
Your mate should be aware of your anxieties. They may be able to help you manage your symptoms and increase your sense of security while you’re on the road. It’s enough for some people to have that individual there to make their journey more enjoyable.
Be Aware of What Triggers You
Some factors can aggravate your anxiety symptoms, which are called anxiety triggers. Traveling may sometimes be the reason for these triggers, such as booking a vacation or boarding a flight. External factors such as a low blood sugar level, coffee, or stress may also be causes.
Before flying, you can determine your triggers and manage them with the support of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is a form of anxiety treatment.
Be Prepared
Consider how you’ll manage your symptoms when you’re arranging your travel plans. The anticipation of a tricky trip may frequently cause you to become more stressed and anxious about your journey. Prepare yourself for panic attacks by creating a course of action and some coping mechanisms.
If your triggers come up, try meditation, visualization, or deep breathing exercises. Playing challenging chess on your cell phone, according to some studies, can be an efficient approach to manage panic attacks.
Try practicing some strategies for self-help and relaxations techniques in the weeks leading up to your departure. It takes a lot of practice to be able to sit with uncomfortable feelings. You will find yourself controlling your symptoms on the next journey.
Prepare for Obligations at Home
Anxiety is a common reaction to the notion of leaving home. Leaving the pets, kids, or house alone can generate a lot of tension and anxiety. When it comes to worrying about being away from your family, planning early can help relieve the burden.
Engage the services of an experienced house-sitter or ask a trusted friend to occupy your home and assist with your affairs while you are gone. You’ll receive daily updates and communication from a good sitter throughout your absence from home, children, or pets.
Consult Your Physician
Speak with your doctor about your travel worries. You may also be undergoing possible underlying problems, including a fear of flying (aerophobia) or agoraphobia. A doctor can identify any co-occurring conditions that are adding to your anxiety.
To treat your symptoms, your health care professional may offer medication. Benzodiazepines are a sort of anti-anxiety medicine that reduces panic symptoms immediately.
Your doctor may prescribe one of the benzodiazepines—Klonopin, Ativan, or Xanax—to reduce the severity of your panic attacks.
Acknowledge the Symptoms
If your symptoms become too overpowering for you to ignore, try to let them run their course instead of fighting them. In most cases, panic attacks get more intense in a matter of minutes before fading away.
Refusing a panic episode can cause heightened anxiety and panic-related concerns, such as fearing a health emergency, going insane, or losing control of yourself.
If you experience anxiety or panic when traveling, try to accept your feelings and remind yourself that they eventually will pass. If you accept your symptoms regularly, you may be able to minimize your anxiety and have a greater sense of control over them.
Distractions Are a Must
Is there a particular hobby that helps you relax? Movies and video games might be a visual distraction for some people. In addition, others seek solace in silent hobbies, such as reading or doing puzzles.
Focusing on what you’re most looking forward to on your journey can also be advantageous. Be sure to create a plan that includes activities that you enjoy. See if you can arrange some time to try a different restaurant, get some exercise, or go to the spa at the hotel or outdoors if you’re traveling for work. As long as you focus on having fun, your enthusiasm for your trip will likely outweigh your anxiety.
It’s not easy to live with anxiety, but it shouldn’t stop you from living a whole and happy life! On your next travel, use these simple steps to help you tone down your symptoms. As long as you prepare yourself, the time may come when you can travel without anxiety and panic attacks.
