Worried about trip in 2 months

Kodiak44 · Post by **Kodiak44** » Wed Aug 12, 2009 9:21 am

I have a business trip that I have to take every year in October and it is in Florida and I live in Iowa. I will not fly (scared to death) and I always drive. I break it down to a 2-day trip each way. But I've been worring about it for the past month or so since I confirmed my reservation and each day that I get closer to going, my anxiety grows as well. I always worry that something might happen to me and that I'm so far from home and won't see my wife and kids for a week or so. I have thought about doing some sight seeing on the way down, but the thought of where I should go and what to do drives me crazy. I won't set anything in stone of what to do. There is no-one that can go with me and that also sucks as it can get pretty boring going and doing things by yourself. You feel pretty lame going places by yourself. Most people would love going on a mini vacation to Florida, but it's driving me crazy. I'm always expecting the worst. Years ago when I went to Florida for this I didn't have this problem and I enjoyed it so much. What a difference a few years can make as it's been 2 1/2 years since this crap took a hold of me. If I could just keep cool and mellow out I know I would have a great time again.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Aug 13, 2009 3:51 am

Anticpatory anxiety before the trip can be the worse part. I know for me it has been. I know now that ALL anxious thoughts turn out ok. You know you can do this and you know it will turn out ok.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Aug 13, 2009 5:57 am

Thanks enbmom and I know it will be o.k., but it gets harder every year to go. But once I'm back I'll be telling myself, "see, no big deal".

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Aug 13, 2009 6:49 am

It is true the anticipation is always worse than the event. Whenever you start to think about it, try to change the subject in your mind - get yourself busy with something.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Aug 13, 2009 8:29 am

there is no past,nor present,suggested in the tapes,only now,live in the moment,the present moment,remember thats the only moment we can live in.practice that,although its difficult,it seems to work,even for a career projectionist such as myself.the meditation relaxation tape is beneficial,and you can bring it with you in a dvd player when you go,keep that in mind.remember were our safe place.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Aug 13, 2009 8:52 am

My sister thinks that I should go and talk to a professional. I'm not to sure about it. Does anyone else have an opinion if it works for them or did work?

Thank you everyone for your insight and help. It means a lot coming from people that are going through this or have already gotten better.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Aug 15, 2009 9:59 am

I also have this before any trip. I have tried to switch my thoughts from feelings of anxiety to telling myself it is excitement. Take your tapes with you, that always helps me.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Aug 21, 2009 2:36 am

Hi Kodiak

If you try to focus on the root cause of why you are getting this anticpatory anxiety I think it is because you are subconsciously asking a lot of scary "what if" thoughts.
You brain is registering these thoughts and preparing your body for made up dangers.
Stop these 'what if' thoughts and change them to "So what if" thoughts !

Do not hesistate to speak to a psychologist. I was always hesitant to do this until I was diagnosed with severe depression and anxiety. Now I look back and slap myself for not doing it earlier..

I started this program the same time I started talking to the psychologist.. She was so impressed of my progress (thanks to the program) that she said I really didn't need to see her anymore (after 4 visits).. She definately reinforced the skills I learned from this program without ever hearing of it herself.

I remember telling her "what if I get stuck in an elevator"
Her simple reply was "so what if you get stuck in an elevator, what will happen? What is the danger?"
Truth is, there isn't any, I was afraid of what other people in the elevator would think if I looked like I was worried.

Remember, and I am sure this will help in your situation as it did mine, it is 90% your thoughts and only 10% environment which makes you feel the way you feel..