If u suffer from major anxiety and depression ... how do u get urself ready for !
Question: I am more nervous with preperation and packing. When i get anxiety- i basically turn into shut down mode and just dont get anything done. Can any1 relate or have suggestions... ?
I asked a quest. about my trip b4 and all the answers were sooo helpful - U guys r the best! =)
Answers: I am more nervous with preperation and packing. When i get anxiety- i basically turn into shut down mode and just dont get anything done. Can any1 relate or have suggestions... ?
I asked a quest. about my trip b4 and all the answers were sooo helpful - U guys r the best! =)
1) Make 2 lists; one of things to do and another of things to pack.
2) Check the list for completeness. Most people with OCD will check it a few more times, for good measure.
3) If you check the list again, you are required to slap yourself.
4) Start at the top of the list and do things in order.
5) When a task is done, take it OFF the list. Do not cross it off or black it out. Cut it from the list and burn it. Do NOT allow yourself to do anything related to that trip that is not on the list.
6) When you reach and complete the last item, you are done and allowed to worry about other things. you are not allowed to worry about trip preparations.
7) Try to apply the do and burn method to other parts of your life. You did it, it's done, cut it free and burn the reminder.
Just take a moment to think of everything you need and write it down. That always helps me. ;)
blow everything off and sit on the toilet
I would think about how nice it will be to get away. Where are you going away to? :)
I woukd break all the steps down...don't try to do everything at once...and before you know it, you'll be done, and ready to enjoy your trip!
I usually need to start packing well ahead of time, since I am rather forgetful, so don't do it all as you're running out the door.
:)
Break things down into small tasks. For each small task completed you will feel good, like you accomplished something
sit down, take some deep breaths, then think about where you are going and how relaxing, and/or exciting it is going to be. Take some time, and more deep breathing, then pack and go and enjoy!
You have to keep telling yourself nothing bad is going to happen this is a good thing, when your finished packing you will have a sense of achievement and just keep up the slow breathing exercises you will be proud of yourself when you return from your trip.Have a great time.
First, if your trip is not right away - then take it in baby steps. Just take it one day at a time - one day or two to pick out the clothes you want to wear/take with you; then another day to pack them, etc. Do you take any medication for your depression and anxiety? If so, don't stop taking it. If you are seeing a counselor - then make an appointment with her/him to talk about your concerns. Maybe, she/he can give you a different med for the anxiety. I take "Kolonopin" for my anxiety (especially when I travel). It really works for me - not a large dosage either (0.05 milligrams) when I think I need it, (no side effects either).
It will be alright, once you are on your way. Good luck and have a wonderful time.
I certainly can identify with this problem. It has happened to me before and unless someone experiences it, it sometimes is difficult to understand how someone just shuts down and can't get anything accomplished. I wish I come get you a fool proof solution to this, but I can't. I have found some times I'm able to think back to the others times when this has happened to me and realize I got thorough it before and I will some how get through again.
As they say even a 1,000 mile journey starts with a single step.....If you are packed and ready, go......dallying at home only raises all the fears, etc. Just getting up and going is all there is to it. Many of the answerers have just about said it.
It's all in what we tell ourselves and reinforce to ourselves. Sure if you continue to tell yourself you have anxiety, depression, are nervous, you don't want to go somewhere...well then, don't go.......go ahead and miss out on what might have been a fruitful trip for you. Perhaps if you understand what you'd be missing out on you'd change your tune.
Is it just in the praparation that bothers you? If so then weeks ahead of time put into a box the items you'd need on a trip...for instance, if you plan a business trip for three days, then put into the box five pairs of underwear, on another day put in the shoes you'd plan to wear, on another day put in another item, until the last day all you have to put in is the toothpaste and personal needs and rush off to the airport or wherever. Multiple vitamins and milk are what calms our nerves. Depression sometimes is caused by disappointment from something (maybe past trips wherein as a kid you would get spanked by a parent or you had queezy stomach from the drive, or the trip was so long that you felt clostrophobic or some other frustrating thing happened that discouraged you from trips). You need to first find out why you react this way, and then realize that you've grown since that time and that now "you" are in control. And, it's about what we say to ourselves. Think of the good things you'd get from taking a trip (relaxation, stress relief, fun times, nice weather, learn to scubadive or enjoy the beach, get something done for your company that might eventually bring a promotion, etc.). So as you pack you can do the montra of "I'm looking forward to this trip because ... (I'm going to have fun, learn something new, get something accomplished, etc."
I just take it one step at a time. I make sure anyone I go with knows about my panic attacks and such so if I have one they will understand and I will have support. I also take tylenol pm in my purse and that keeps me calm if I get to nervous. That is if I am not driving. If I am going by myself I take lots of breaks by stopping and walking and stretching quite a bit.
breath and write every thing down that you need to do. think on the things that you need to do step by step. then go to doc and see if he could give you one 5 milligram Valium just to take when you go on the plane. he might not give it to you. i have done this before and it helped me
if afriad of flying do to and toprl its a beta blocker beat my mom's height phobia and cures my aniexty when it gets bad i also take daily prozac which is helpful. Also plan something fun on ur trip like a museam there are many in ny best is natural history a good meal out virgils bbrq in times sq rocks or u could play slots north of city in yonkers mayb a broadway show or the empie state bldg or bronx zoo id not freezing
Just pull yourself together and take a break! The problem is you are pushing yourself to hard. Just concentrate on packing and make a list so you wont forget anything important. At the rate you are going you will burn yourself out and will still be packing Thursday! I know you can do it! Just take your time tomorrow and make sure you have everything you need. I'm the same way so I can really talk. You will do good. May god be with you to keep you safe! Have no doubts about that!