Stress Center Peer Support

Hi all,

Well I'm stuck with a huge decision and I am the type who debates within myself about what to have for dinner for hours at a time, so I figured I would post on here. Basically, I have the opportunity to study abroad this summer for 6 weeks and I have never been overseas and never even considered it before this year. I really want to go, but it's expensive (I can get financial aid) and I am petrified. Due to my anxiety and depression, I feel tired quite often and make myself ill from stress. I was traveling across the East Coast two years ago and I made myself physically ill from all the anxiety and stress of traveling. I don't want to go and feel sick the entire time.

I am now on meds which have helped significantly but I still have a long way to go. I'm stuck between what feels like the catch 22 of getting burnt out if I go or beating myself up mentally all summer if I don't go. What would you do if you were me?

Perfectfacade83,

Only you can make this decision. I will add this: When I was 14, my parents wanted to take the family to Switzerland but I didn't want to go. (My dad traveled a lot and with frequent flier miles, it was not so expensive for us). They made me go and I hated it.

Many years later, I wish I could go back in time and change my expectations for that trip. Now, I understand now how my expectations of what that trip would be like (something I didn't want to do) influenced how much I enjoyed the trip (not a lot). Having traveled to many countries since then, I realize what a lost opportunity that has become. If you take nothing else away from my story, let it be this: if you expect something to not be pleasant, what do you think you will get? After all, isn't that what you are looking for? If you were to expect that it would be a trip of a lifetime and it would be full of fun and unforgetable memories, do you think it would increase your chances of having fun? I do. That is my experience and I now have over 20 countries under my belt and over 6 years without a panic attack.

Having said that, I understand where you are and I know it is a tough decision. I can't say go or don't go. I can only offer a word of support and hope you find peace with your decision.

~phoenix

I say go for it. You have a few weeks to mentally prepare yourself. Do the sessions on the program (if you have it) that deal with positive thoughts and expectations (Sessions 3 and 4 I think) before you leave.

I agree with Phoenix2002, psych yourself up for the trip. Don't tell yourself that you're going to have a bad time. You can be realistic and say yeah I might have some anxiety but that doesn't have to stop you from enjoying your trip.

I know it's your decision. Only you can make it. I think though that it would be easier to go and leave if your anxiety gets that bad, then not go and regret it forever.

Wow - what an awesome opportunity. I agree with the posts, picture yourself having a great time, listen to the relaxation tape and when it says to picture yourself as you want to be, picture what a great time you will have. If you experience the physical symptoms of anxiety about the trip - maybe it is just excitement. They both produce similar feelings. It is just the way our mind decides what it wants them to be.

The past trip was the old anxious you, this is the new calm you. Embrace the new you and enjoy yourself.

LisaLisa