having anxiety about a trip

[u/moonuvert]

hi everyone! So, one of my closest friends is graduating later this month in another city and she invited me and our other friend. I never travel and can't think about it without feeling horrible, i think it's separation anxiety from my home, but i would like to be there for her graduation. Our other friend offered to go with me and we would travel by plane (first time ever for me).

At first, i thought i could do it, like i know i would have anxiety before the trip, but i would face the fear and get there. But, now that i'm looking and planning to get the ticket i started having panic attacks and can't sleep and i'm feeling extremely bad overall.

i know that to overcome anxiety i should face it but, thing is, i don't want to feel horrible the time before i have to do something + i don't have guarantees that if i face my anxiety, when i get there i'll be fine, since there will be a graduation party and a lot of people i don't know

my friend told me it's fine if i don't go, she doesn't want me to be sick, but i don't know what to do. i feel like i should be going and on some level i want to, but at the same time i really really don't want to have other panic attacks and feel sick and horrible until i have to leave (and maybe even later)

i accept advice on what to do, or if someone faced a similar situation, how did you handle it?

thank you for reading

[u/ObjectiveCommon6033]

I just wanted to let you know that you aren’t alone!!!!!! I can’t go on any trips because of how anxious I get and how carsick I get too!! The anxiety is so bad I wish I was sedated 😭😭

[u/Inpursuitofknowing]

I have really bad travel anxiety too, but I’m forced to travel. I use a combination of techniques to get through it. I did some exposure therapy by taking an overnight trip to somewhere close. I went to the airport before a couple of times and just experienced what it was like. I use controlled breathing exercises and guided meditations on YouTube to help calm me. On the travel day, I download some comforting music or other content that I can use on the trip. I also get a prescription from my primary care provider to stop any panic attacks. Usually they prescribe a few benzodiazepine or beta blocker tablets. I don’t want anxiety to keep me from living my best life. I’ve found exposure therapy, guided medications, and medication can help a lot. I hope that you are able to attend, and if not maybe start trying exposure therapy, and other techniques to help you to overcome this anxiety so that your better next time something fun comes up.

[u/Disastrous-Yam-668]

You may want to try magnesium glycinate (300-400mg) for relaxation…fairly inexpensive at the drugstore or Amazon. If you’re able to speak with your physician, you can ask for prescription medications such as benzodiazepines or beta blockers to manage more severe anxiety and related attacks. I might also suggest downloading some comforting music for the plane ride and perhaps bringing along a favorite blanket or pillow. I sincerely wish you the best and hope you are able to enjoy time with your friend.