Tips for Traveling With Anxiety

[@geeshneesh1491]

My biggest anxiety symptom is feeling like I have to pee, especially with traveling. When I tell people that they look at me like I’m crazy, I’m glad I’m not the only one. 3 years ago we traveled 16 hours in. A car with only a few stops. We drove overnight, which helps I slept most of the way and I downloaded some audiobooks to pass the time. I did pretty well and I was proud of myself, it helped on the way back too. Tomorrow Im traveling by plane for the first time in 8 years. Im very nervous and trying to prepare myself, thank you for your tips!

[@LaurenRose.]

That's amazing!!! How did you go?

[@Coffee_Caper]

I'm dealing with the same issues but instead of using public transport ,driving myself to wherever (even 100s of km/miles away) helps me overcome this...... while driving i cant pay attention to bodily symptoms so infact i barely go at all. but this is a crutch because you cant always travel by car on your own. thanks for the video

[@LaurenRose.]

Very true. I sometimes find that public transport is less of a trigger for me, no idea why. I think i find it easier to zone out by reading or listening to a podcast. I'm glad you've found something that helps for you!

[@maylandry4637]

Thank you so much for sharing how you feel, I’m so scared of being judged for my anxiety and panic attacks. It’s so encouraging to know that I’m not alone and I will be able to fly again someday.

[@LaurenRose.]

Thank you! You are most certainly not alone. Sending you all the love and positive vibes!

[@KobesFadeaway]

Just wanted to say to anyone who found this amazing channel the same way I did, by trying to see if other people suffered from agoraphobia or if I was just crazy, 3 months ago I was so hopeless and just done with life, and now while I'm not cured, I can now go outside for a little bit with my baby girl who absolutely loved seeing daddy outside with her, I can walk the family dog outside the front of the house for anywhere between 3-6 minutes, and I feel so proud of myself. And if you're suffering right now and you're feeling hopeless and weak, it gets so much better with time and very small steps, this channel was so helpful to me to see that other people suffer too, and to know I wasn't alone and neither are you.

[@LaurenRose.]

Josh that is SOO GOOD to hear!!!!! Well done mate, sounds like you're taking small steps but massive leaps in faith, too. I'm so happy for you. Keep it up - and keep me updated!!

[@KobesFadeaway]

AnxietyMamma I really need help with something, my agoraphobia is so bad I've literraly been unable to leave even my house for years properly, well now because I haven't been able to see a dentist for a while my teeth are really bad and it stresses me out so much when I see them that I don't even smile now and don't even kiss my daughter because I'm so self conscious and disgusted, and if I book an appointment with a dentist and say fuck it and just force myself to do it I feel like it's gonna set me back so far, or either I'm just gonna end up having a heart attack or something so bad, but then if I do it and try but I can't make it and have to stay home I will be fined 50 pounds, it's such a difficult situation for me and it's one of my biggest sources of stress right now, I can't talk to people without feeling embarrassed

[@LaurenRose.]

Josh 123 ok, here’s what you do. First of all - you are absolutely capable of going to the dentist and getting through an appointment. You are predicting a future that you can’t possibly predict, but you are basing it off past experiences. Understandable, but not helpful or true. So you call the dentist, explain your situation. They will most likely have dealt with this before, or at least someone with a high level of anxiety about the dentist. You tell them the truth and say you desperately need an appointment but you are agoraphobic and you are struggling with the idea of coming in. I would try going in once or twice in the days beforehand, just to familiarise myself with the trip and the office itself. I’m certain they will support you. They might even give you some kind of gas that sedates you once you’re on the chair. Secondly - this will not set you back, regardless of whether or not you panic. I had that same thought so many times, and I used it to hold me back from progressing. Think about it though - can you get setback even further from where you are now?? Can you not only either move forward or stay the same? I promise you, you are capable of this. If possible, even seeing a doctor and getting prescribed some Valium or Xanax for the appointment, but I’m confident that you can do this without, if it came down to it. I believe in you. Your daughter believes in you too.

[@kelseyveert7822]

I’m so glad I found your channel, I really needed to find someone who goes through what I go through

[@LaurenRose.]

Kelsey Veert there’s lots of us!! You’re not alone ❤️

[@888biedronka]

I don't know if I have anything to add , but the meditation apps are probably what is going to get me through the next time.I also love the app CALM and have been using it all the time even thought I have Headspace as well.I also love listening to my fav music, noise cancelling headphones would be great to have...and any word puzzles and funny books.I would recommend starting a good book before the departure so you're already into the book a lot because most books usually start up slow.One of my personal tips is having a really good diet the few days before so there is no tummy issues , def in my case no milk, no coffee and nothing irritating my guts.I think I will also try and concentrate on the fun things I want to do like go to the beach and take some amazing photos!

[@LaurenRose.]

Excellent suggestions!!!! I love it. The diet thing helps me too. And I think it just makes you feel better in general, too!

[@ramonaelenasalagean8908]

Hey. you are so amazing. I have been suffering agoraphobia for 2 years. I have anxiety and panic attacks. you really helped me. thank you. I am currently trying to control myself and have a job at home and in my spare time I go out with my boyfriend.

[@JVCPhotography]

I’m happy I found you. My dr got me on Buspar 10 mg I’m going on a cruise soon I’m so nervous about taking a bus tour when I get to the location. I hope this meds helps.

[@family-peace-love]

Thanks for this it's really helpful since I can't be ok in the car for long xx

[@LaurenRose.]

Keep at it, you will get there. I was shocking in the car for such a long time, but now I enjoy it. I think it's like anything, you just need to keep practicing. Sending you love

[@catherined6399]

This is the best video on tips for travelling with anxiety that i've seen! It's so funny too haha! Is there anyone else who only feels safe for the airplane part? When I am at the airport and on the plane, I feel like I know what to do and taken care of haha. I am anxious about the unknown and the surprises of the new country I am visiting....

[@victoriamealplans8383]

Ahhh - thanks for the shout out! I also actually pack a few days before not just the day before : ) I also buy travel sized toiletries and an extra toothbrush so I don't have to pack them on the morning of the trip.

[@LaurenRose.]

Ahh see - you're a seasoned traveller! Great tip.

[@alexandrawillow8884]

Hi! Even though I don't really have strong panic attacks anymore, I still have anxiety attacks and feel really sick from it :( Anyways, I'm supposed to go on a short, 5-day bus trip in the neighboring country with family, but I'm getting very very nervous as the day is approaching. I've travelled a lot before, but in the past 7-8 months, it was difficult even to leave home. I want to break this vicious circle, so I really wanna go. Your video gave me a little power to just pack and go! Thank you :) I hope I'll be able to go. Thanks again!

[@fhamdani99]

Perfect timing. Moving away from my city in a few days. Thank you x

[@LaurenRose.]

Ahh Im glad! I hope the move went well

[@megan5498]

Amazing

[@freethinker7115]

Great video !!! Great information...thank you !!!

[@kimberlygoes7355]

Always so inspiring! Thank you !

[@astrudgranada9008]

Thank you again for this helpful video! Im going to travel far for the 2nd time with my anxiety.. Its a 2-3 hours bus ride, and im nervous again, specially on traffics.. Last time i survived and i will again the 2nd time! Haha

[@LaurenRose.]

YES! You will!!! Good luck, you will kill it

[@sunflowercatie]

I'm flying in a few weeks and I have severe anxiety and depression and I have Oppositional Defiant Disorder. I get severe panic attacks often and I have PTSD. Should I let the TSA officer know. I have a boot because I have a stress fracture and I'm in the boot for 6 weeks. I have quite a lot of triggers because of trauma and a lot mental illnesses. I have a ton of meds. I usually don't check my bag so I pack my carry on. What should I do?

[@LaurenRose.]

I really wish I could offer some advice but I'm afraid I'd be out of my depth! I would possibly be letting the airline know - as in the flight attendants on your flight and maybe the customer service, I'm sure they would be able to support you. Also, your doctor or therapist may know the correct route to take in this situation. Please let me know how you get on!

[@nise612]

I have to move from NY to Florida in ONE MONTH and I'm scared out of my mind. I don't leave my town and have my safe spaces...I havent been on the highway in years..let alone for 18 hours! Any tips would be appreciated

[@M_g_nanna]

I moved from NY to LA a few years ago. I had never been to California, and was struggling with panic disorder as well as severe bouts of agoraphobia. Once my girlfriend and I had landed, though, something interesting happened; I immediately was able to live my life with the same degree of freedom as in NY. There was the same amount of anxiety - no more, no less. What you choose to do, you do with yourself. Those horrible moments you've suffered through may come with you, but so will all of your best times. When you have no other choice, not only will you adjust, you'll be better than you thought possible!

[@nise612]

thank you SO much for replying, that makes so much sense! I hope you're doing well in Cali and thanks for giving me some hope for the big move :)

[@LaurenRose.]

That is incredible advice. And well done to you!!!! I agree wholeheartedly with your comment, and I love what you said about 'the same amount of anxiety' - we tend to build it up in our head, like we are going to be far worse off when we do 'the thing' (whatever that thing may be), but it is still us, and still our thoughts and beliefs, and therefore, the same anxiety. And eventually, the actions that we take in our steps forward end up changing those thoughts and beliefs we have about ourselves, and then the anxiety changes too. It's the actions that are important.

[@LaurenRose.]

I really can't say it any better than oldmandarin did, but I have absolute faith in you. It's ok to be scared, the important thing is to just put one foot in front of the other (so to speak) and do what you need to do. The safe space isn't real, it's just the area in which you think you are capable of action, and actually - you are capable EVERYWHERE. It's taken me a long bloody time to learn that, but I got there in the end! I promise you, no matter how terrifying it is, you will cope, and not only that, but you will surprise yourself with your own strength and ability. When you find yourself overthinking about it, put on an audiotape or a ted talk or something that inspires you, and get amongst it! (And I suggest this all the bloody time and I probably suggested it in the video too, but read the book 'breaking the habit of being yourself' by Joe dispenza. I think it will really help you with this transition.)

[@nise612]

thank you so much for replying, it means the world to me! I will def try the book!

[@user-tt5rc7yx9o]

do you edit your thumbnails on Instagram?

[@LaurenRose.]

I use canva :)