[Jeffrouk]

Hey all,

Im really struggling with the ups and downs of some abandonment issues which have been triggered at the moment, its very much like PTSD.... Strong fear and sadness, grief and a deep feeling of aloneness and despair... not great!!!!

Its up and down, some days are ok some are a struggle.... My dilema is the holiday I have booked for Wednesday, im due to fly to Portugal for 2 weeks with friends but instead of looking forward to it im dreading it, holidays always get me a bit anxious even when I feel great so im freaking out a bit... Being with friends doing fun stuff could actually be just what I need, maybe it will really help with these feelings of isolation and fear, being with people I have care about. But also the idea of being away from home and my family at this time scares me..... what if I have a total melt down?!!! Any advise would be great.... I usually chill out when I get to places.

[Dog on a Tree]

Are there any tablets/medication that you could take to help with the anxiety? Or bring with you a MP3 player that has relaxing music on it, so then you can listen to it whenever you need to/want to.

[Jeffrouk]

Originally Posted by Dog on a Tree

Are there any tablets/medication that you could take to help with the anxiety? Or bring with you a MP3 player that has relaxing music on it, so then you can listen to it whenever you need to/want to.

Thanks, I have some diazepam left over from last year, 5mg tabs as an emergency back up just incase... music is also a good idea. I always get anxious before holidays and am usually ok when i get there, seems to be the anticipation, this holiday is just bad timing as ive been really suffering lately and the last thing you want is to have to face another one of your fears!

It sounds like a good idea to me, if you feel like you can do it. I went on a vacation once when I was pretty depressed, and did okay. It can be distracting (in a good way) to be in a different place.

One thing I would be careful about is alcohol consumption. I don't know what your friends will be doing. So often when people go on holiday, that means drinking in excess, and that would not be safe for you.

If it would make you feel better before you go, try to think of how you would get home if you do get too depressed to stay.

[ManOfConstantSorrow]

Sorry to here this, I love Portugal and the weather in early autumn is generally very pleasant. If fun things pall perhaps you could take some time out and watch the (Portuguese) world go round. I love to sit in tea shops and the lovely squares and watch the Portuguese make a not very convincing stab at the working day over cards with tea, coffee and delicious cakes and pastries.

JT is right about the vino though - the white port is my poison, delicious, but strong.

[Thunder Bow]

Leave the guilt and anxiety at home, take the Holiday!