Fears of Travel And Flight Cause Anxiety: Tips For Overcoming These Fears

This is a topic I have wanted to touch on for a long time. There are so many people that deal with this fear on a day to day basis. Unable to travel to work, take vacations, or just drive to another city a few miles away.

The physical symptoms that come with the fear of traveling and anxiety in combination can be overwhelming, and frustrating, making it impossible to travel anywhere, or do normal everyday activities or daily tasks.

I would like to begin by talking about a fear that I had, which was personally very hard, was the fear of traveling by car or "travel anxiety". The thought of being too far away from home was terrifying for me. The second I was a certain distance away from familiar territory, I lost it. All the physical symptoms would come, shortness of breath, feelings of loss of reality, sweaty palms, racing heart, upset stomach. I would just feel horrible until I reached my destination.

Once I reached my destination, and became familiar, and relaxed where I was, the anxiety would begin to loosen its grip and I would begin to feel better. But, not completely. The panic and anxiety were always just seconds away at any given time. Please know that any trip I could not do alone, or I would really be overwhelmed with fear and panic. I always had to be accompanied by someone.

This is just a horrible feeling. I was scared, but at the same time so disappointed, and frustrated that I was feeling this way, and everyone else was ok. I was scared and worried about the fact that I wasn't going to be able to live a normal life for myself or my kids. I remember thinking, "How in the world am I going to be able to take my kids to Walt Disney World when I feel so crazy?" I may never be able to see anything the world has to offer, except for my small town in Indiana.

Then after some words of wisdom from my psychologist and books, I learned that there is a way! There is a way to overcome this! Here are some tips that may help you with your fears of traveling:

1. Safe Place. Once you leave home, you need to remember your safe place. Remember that you were fine there, and nothing has changed from that point to where you are now.

2. Release Negative Thoughts. If you are not driving, relax, kick your feet up and enjoy the scenery. Set your mind free of any negative thoughts, and look around at the positive.

3. Music and Meditation. Always have relaxation music and meditation with you so you can play them at any time. You should also have with you a breathing technique. At the first sign of any tension, listen and breath.

4. Anxiety Medication. For some, you may want to take along a medication. I have used a very low dose anxiety medication in the past which worked very well for me. If you are planning a trip, try talking to your health care provider about it. Your doctor may be able to prescribe you something that will help.

5. Prayer. Personally, prayer helped me tremendously! Whenever I feel discouraged or scared, I pray. For some, this is not an option, but for many it is. No matter who you believe in, carry a prayer with you at all times. It does help!

There is also the fears of travel by bus, train, or plane. All five of my tips may help you recognize what you can do to overcome some, if not all, of the fears of traveling. I hope that this will benefit you.

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