Hi all. I am just starting the program as well and have a question in regards to if anyone else has panic attacks that are brought on by travel. You see, for me, I am fine on planes, trains and automobiles, but when I reach my destination and try to adjust to my surroundings I have severe anxiety and panic attacks. This has caused me to come home from various conferences and summer jobs in different states as well as not fulfill my dream of traveling abroad. The problem is, in order for me to test my panic attacks and practice facing them, I have to go away from home but do not have the money right now to do so. Is anyone in the same boat? What have you done?

Thanks!

I can't step in an airport without a Xanax. And I fear jumping into whatever body of water I'm on so I avoid boats. Once I get to my destination I find myself planning ahead to get through. I know that I need to know the details of my trip and freak if I'm doing none of the planning, so I add in activities that are my own ideas to incorporate some control. I also research nearby hospitals. Freaky, but true.

Pat yourself on the back for getting as far as you do. And don't worry about not being able to conquer your traveling fear right now. You will eventually. I don't think it's necessary to face every single fear right away. I'd have to quit my job to do that.

What about an overnight in a nearby town? Drive there, stay in an inexpensive hotel, and do only things near there (not near home). However, before you do, script out your away time....it doesn't seem the trip gets to you, it is the away from home part. So identify some restaurants and maybe a museum or shops that you will visit and then stick to your script. The script will give you a sense of control over the situation that you seem to be craving when you travel. Do this enough and eventually start pulling back on how much you script...before you know it, who needs a script?

When you are able to take a trip to expose do your best to stay in the anxious situation. Use your tools while you are feeling the anxiety. No matter how badly you want to leave, stay. Gently say to yourself: Stay. I'm going to stay. I am safe. It's just adrenalin. I can leave tomorrow if I must but right now I am staying."

Tomorrow will probably be fabulous and you can continue on with your trip.

I have most of my trouble just trying to get to my destination, and lately i have been associting so many negative feelings with travel, but it is not the traveling that is causing the anxiety....It's YOU we have to remembr that we can live WITH the uncomfortable feeelings and even the fear DONT RUN use positive dialouge to yourself that will allow you to stay in the anxious moment and move foward i believe that if you see that you can remain safe calm and secure in your situation, then the next challenge will be even easier

Thanks to all that replied!! I will use baby steps and small trips to help overcome this. It's difficult to remember that it is just adrenaline, but it makes so much sense! Thanks again and good luck to you all!

Dear Khaki, baby steps is exactly what you need and what has gotten me > 30 miles away from home. Unfortunately my problem is traveling itself. Once I get to my destination, the new sights and surroundings usually distract me from my anxiety. Just yesterday I drove 2 hrs to my sister's house, alone in the car with the kids. I felt so proud when I got there because the last long trip was a total disaster for me. I couldn't even take a sedative because I was alone with my two young kids. I summoned enough courage to drive back, but the rest of the weekend was shut off for me. Yesterday I took the same route (that I have taken for years, but just became an issue this year) I played some relaxing music in the car and tried to keep a step ahead of the panic. I did breathing and baby talked to myself. I kept focusing on the next landmark, and just making it to that point. When I was more than half of the way down, I figured it was shorter to get there than to turn back. I did just fine. Someday I'll try planes and trains...

My deal is that I feel anxiety on the way during the trip and I'm constantly thinking I have to get back ASAP. I have finally realized that I have never fully gotten over the fear of the attacks and that is where the freedom is..
I have some work to do.......

Good Morning,

Hi I have a problem traveling alone even if its short distance. I guess to me your doing excellant. So fare the way I've been getting through my episodes are to remember it's not going to hurt you. Try not to run because I have found that the more I run from it the worst it gets. I don't know what your religious background is but when I recognize that my Heavenly Father is Always therefore me. I get such a peaceful spirit. I also agree, take baby steps. That's what I'm doing.

Hi all!

I understand completely Khaki! I love to drive on the highways, but once I reach my destination I seem to get bored and anxious so I never have any fun unless I am just driving. Two years ago I drove to Las Vegas, NV and loved the drive- once I got there I had a huge panic attack and immediately wanted to return home! I never really got to enjoy my time when I was there!

Now as far as public transportation, I don't do that so well. I agree with what Lucinda's one client said in session 1- as in if I could just fly the plane I'd be fine. I definately have a control thing, so as long as I am driving I am fine.
I agree with what everyone is saying. Now that we are learning the tools to deal with the anxiety attacks, was just have to take baby steps and apply the tools. Easier said than done, I know, but I think we can all do it with some practice!! I am trying to stay in a hotel close to home and then force myself to write out things to do for the day and then stick to the plan. I think boredom plays a huge role in anxiety, so if I can stay busy and use my skills, then I believe the panic will get less and less.

I had no idea there were so many people out there with this very exact and specific issue. I have a hard time travelling but I CAN do it. I always make it through the flight or the car ride (other methods of public transportation are questionable, however!). But when I get to my destination I lose it. I went to Thailand with my husband about three years ago now. We were supposed to go for three weeks....we made it 10 days and I had to come home. I just never recovered - even with my anxiety meds. This year, after 6 years of dealing with anxiety, i'm planning a trip again. This time for just a week with ALL (literally all!) of my closest friends including my sister and husband. We're going to a resort for New Years so i'll have a support group. I don't know what it is about being away from home. I'm supposed to go and enjoy myself and relax because vacations are supposed to be FUN! I am so determined to do better this time around but I have an extreme fear it will be Thailand all over again. I just have to tell myself, Thailand was three years ago. It's over and I'm a happier person in a better place than I was. Everything will be fine because it always is. I AM a strong and determined person....but I will be going to my Dr. ahead of time and getting him to prescribe something for EXTREME anxiety...just in case! lol!