[BrnEyedGrl]

I guess I'll post this here since my anxiety has to do with most of the issue at hand.
I learned today that I have the chance to drive to Colorado for two weeks in June. Yeah not much notice. I would stay with my cousin in a 5 bedroom home in Vail and get to see so much...Vail, Aspen, taking a drive to the Grand Canyon for a few days and so forth. Yeah, that's the great, exciting, wonderful, to good to be true part. (Not to mention I have not been out of my state on vacation in years.)

But....Isn't there always a BUT? LOL
But, I am suffering from severe anxiety and panic disorder. I am so bad that I rarely get out of the house most days and if I do, someone drives me or I go to the corner store. I have just started Prozac for this and take klonopin on a regular basis to just get some sleep now and then. I have a four year old who has never been out of this state either. I have a mom who has just experienced a minor heart attack not more than two weeks ago and wants to drive this whole way. Uggghhhhh! Lots to think about here. I have a hard time functioning most days. Anyone reading this who also has anxiety and panic issues knows how hard it is to get thru each day and to be traveling 100's of miles out of your comfort zone for three weeks, caring for a four year old, and not being able to get AWAY from about 12 other family members AT ALL is scaring the bloody hell out of me!!!!

I have to make this decision soon. If I go, will I make it through? Or honestly I could have a meltdown here folks. What kind of plan can I put together to make sure I don't fall of the deep end? Can you think of any words of wisdom for me? Any advice? (Im just sick thinking about it and am going to hide under my covers now and never come out, LOL) HELP!

[Doh2007]

This might not be the best time for this trip. You need to do whatever feels safe for you right now. Bless you whatever you decide.

[TraciReborn]

This is an interesting dilema. I would say this might not be a good idea for you and could set you over the edge. Maybe a drive to Traverse City or West Michigan for a weekend would be a good start right now.

I know how anxiety tries to push you to give 100% and all or nothing, but it isn't rational or wise. I think you need to take a step back and figure out small trips that can lead you to a drive across country.

Even someone with anxiety or panic would be anxious with this type of trip. So, I do think you need to step out, but maybe not all the way out west........

[AAAAA]

I suffer from the same demons, and last spring the plan was for my mom, my twins and I to drive cross country from Wisconsin, up through MI, MN, and onto California via Reno. My anxiety was NOT under control at that time, and at the last minute my husband took the time off (which shortened our trip by a couple of weeks) to drive us out there.

First, let me say that the Northern route was NOT a good idea. We had wind storms so bad starting from Nebraska and they didn't stop. The mountains had blizzards, oddly enough our first stop was to be in Duluth, but since they lost our reservations we ended up stopping just outside the Twin Cities, thank God, we were ahead of the major storm the whole way out there. It would have been much cheaper to fly, but my mother does not fly.

Second, I also have OCD so I had the trip planned out the trip to the minute, the twins were 14 so they had MP3 players, DVD players, PSPs you name it, they were occupied and didn't have a problem. I on the other hand literally had blisters from hanging on to that strap above the window. No matter how much you think you can drive, there's a good chance you'll not be able to drive as long as you think you can. Something's gonna come up. We planned an nice slow trip to enjoy the sites as we went there were not many, but I had to make many adjustments on route. My husband was very frustrated when we got to Fresno. When we arrived at my brother's beautiful house with a lovely pool we left only once to have lunch. I was a homebody even away from home. It was a good thing too, because the return trip wasn't any better weather wise, I was a wreck.

My kids always travelled well (hubby was in the service we were always moving). Make sure there's a new picture book, brand new crayons, coloring book, snacks, etc. Ew, almost forgot, nothing noisey, those car games with sounds seem like a good idea until you're in traffic, looking for your exit, and hearing BINGO for the millionth time.

It's very frustrating, when we were stationed in OR, I'd drive back to the UP of MI a couple times a year with four small kids in tow and never give it a second thought.

Good luck, I'm sure you can do it. We battle with these demons on a daily basis, but it's amazing what we can do when we absolutely have to. Don't think of the trip as a whole, think of it in pieces, you only have to make it to the next stop. The more you dwell, the more anxious you will become.

[BalishBun]

Wow that is a big step if you go! Just think of how accomplished youll feel once you get there. But even if you dont, do not get down on yourself. I encourage you to go but i also understand if you dont that that is okay. I almost didnt go to our october trip to cedar point because i was afraid during that 2 hour trip that i would have an attack and have to find the nearest hospital. Actually the rediculous thing: I even went online and mapquested the nearest hospital from CP in case i needed it!!!

[BrnEyedGrl]

Doh2007, TraciReborn, AAAAA, and BalishBun....Thank you so much for the support and opinions.

I think each and every one of you made a good point. I still have not decided that Im going for sure, but if I do, some changes have already been made. We would only go for one week. I feel that is more attainable and realistic. We have a plan to stay in a hotel on the way to and from, and to just take our time and not rush.
AAAAA-I really will take your advice and have all kinds of toys, snacks, DVD player, etc to keep him busy.

You all have a good day....

[Perna]

I wouldn't try anything unless you yourself really wanted to. Doing things for other people or because the idea sounds good doesn't work for me. I can make things work if I really want them but just wishing I wanted them works against me.

[nightbird]

If you want to go - you will make it happen.

I just came back from a four day trip myself last week.

I had my moments, I will not deny that, and spilled some tears, but overall, I am glad I went.

I feel a tad stronger. And a little more confidant. A little. And traveling light helped me a great deal - less to worry about. Your kids could have responsibility for their things - and be rewarded for this - thereby leaving you to worry about yourself a little more, them a little less. If it's possible. And you have your mothers support - understanding she is a little under the weather but on the mend.

Will you regret not going?

Do you think you can carve out some special time for yourself and your healing?

If so - I say - GO! Face the odd times head on, seek relief, you should be okay.

peace and fun,
nightbird