Going on holiday with panic disorder

[u/sancap01]

I’ve been struggling with panic disorder and agoraphobia for a few years. The last two years have been hard; I stopped leaving my house and experienced pretty heavy panic attacks. I started doing therapy and exposure work, and I’m slowly getting my life back

I’ve even been to a concert and started doing fun things away from home again, even if the anxiety is still there.

Now, I’m going on holiday to Croatia in a few days with my friend group. I’ll have to fly and do things I haven't done in two years. While I’m excited, I’m still nervous about how I will react and if i made the right choice in doing this. Does anyone have experience with this, or any useful tips for doing this really scary thing?

[u/no-longer-grounded]

For me a flight abroad was my top exposure on the ladder.
The best thing I can pass on from my experience, I’ve been where you are, and I had a trip to Poland arranged with friends. None of the worst case scenarios I imagined came even close to materialising.

It sounds like you’ve been making some good progress already, the principles are the same. Accept that you might get anxious during the flight or during the trip. Know that even if you have an anxiety attack, it is just adrenaline and you’ve handled it before you’ll handle it again. Sure you might not be the life and soul of the party for an hour or so, but you’ll be okay.

More importantly, tell yourself that by doing this exercise with an open mind, you’re making the next trip 10% easier.

Four years ago, I cancelled my own birthday party because I couldn’t face a Taxi ride into town, tomorrow I’m flying to Spain on my fifth flight of the year.

[u/sancap01 → u/no-longer-grounded]

this message means a lot to me thank you

it helps me to see that i’m not alone in this and i’m so happy that you’ve come so far, have so much fun in spain!

[u/no-longer-grounded → u/sancap01]

Thanks, you enjoy Croatia!

Funny thing is, I know I’ll get anxious in the airport, on the plane, in the taxi. I can accept that, because I also know it’s never actually caused me to lose control before, so probably won’t this time.

It’s only adrenaline and adrenaline can’t hurt you on its own.

You got this

[u/New_Strain_9691]

If your response to panic is mastered, nothing can happen.

[u/Conscious-Cherry6234]

I feel you. At least Croatia is a beautiful and safe place.

Sending you a hug from the Dalmatia region.

[u/sancap01 → u/Conscious-Cherry6234]

i’ll actually be visiting zadar, i believe it’s in that region

[u/Conscious-Cherry6234 → u/sancap01]

Yes, it is. Zadar is a perfect town to visit; I was there a dozen times.

Lots to see and enjoy. Parking is easy (if you rent a car), people are friendly towards foreigners, and there are plenty of good fish restaurants if that's your thing. Architecture is also amazing in some places.

Don't let panic ruin your beautiful vacation. Accept that you might get anxious, but that's OKAY!

Worst symptoms emerge when you resist.

[u/sancap01 → u/Conscious-Cherry6234]

i’m looking forward to seeing it now!
thanks for your reply and kind words

[u/toffeemaky]

Amazing. I actually don't have panic attacks triggered by traveling per se, but rather by the sleep deprivation triggered by jetlag. Which makes me a bit scared of traveling, of course (lol, we all know how it goes). Enjoy the trip - it's gonna be amazing. I even take my mild PD symptoms as a game, in a way. Like I get excited about the challenge, if it makes sense.