[Oceanalla13]

So here is the deal,
I am aware that I have an aversion to being out of my routine in terms of travel. Distance, length of time, location they all matter and impede my wanting to make any kind of plan outside of my county and, at best the one adjacent to that. The problem is that, even when I don't have any immediate plans in the horizon I dread. I think "what's going to happen when my husband wants to go to x or y? Will I be able to get the kids anywhere fun outside of our city for any length of time? What if I panic? You get the idea...

The problem is that it is NON STOP. I currently take 50 mgs of sertraline but feel that, though im not as edgy, it does not do much. I am seeing a psychiatrist who feels that I have to face things and that will take care of the constant ruminating but I don't feel it is as simple as she makes it seem. I want these changes and notice their effects probably more than any of those around me. Any thoughts, words of wisdom or encouragement will be greatly appreciated!
~Oceanalla

Hello Oceanalla: My thinking, with regard to this, is that your pdoc is for the most part correct. However the question is with regard to how you "face" things.

There such a thing as "systematic desensitization" or "graduated exposure therapy". In this type of therapy a person is exposed to what she or he fears a little bit at a time so as not to overly stress the person. The amount of exposure is increased slightly with each attempt. This is the correct way to approach the sort of fear you describe.

It is not helpful in my opinion, in fact it may even be harmful, for you to simply keep beating your head against a brick wall, so to speak, trying to make yourself feel comfortable doing something you fear.

Since it appears you live in a major metropolitan area in the U.S. I would imagine there are going to be quite a few providers of systematic desensitization therapy. It might be worthwhile for you to look into this as one possible option.

[Oceanalla13]

Originally Posted by The Skeezyks

Hello Oceanalla: My thinking, with regard to this, is that your pdoc is for the most part correct. However the question is with regard to how you "face" things.

There such a thing as "systematic desensitization" or "graduated exposure therapy". In this type of therapy a person is exposed to what she or he fears a little bit at a time so as not to overly stress the person. The amount of exposure is increased slightly with each attempt. This is the correct way to approach the sort of fear you describe.

It is not helpful in my opinion, in fact it may even be harmful, for you to simply keep beating your head against a brick wall, so to speak, trying to make yourself feel comfortable doing something you fear.

Since it appears you live in a major metropolitan area in the U.S. I would imagine there are going to be quite a few providers of systematic desensitization therapy. It might be worthwhile for you to look into this as one possible option.

Thank you so much for your insight! You may indeed be on to something. I guess because there have been times where things of this nature have not seemed so difficult her attitude is pretty much JUST DO IT. I feel that by breaking things into smaller bits it would definitely be more attainable than to just go at it head on.

[pegasus]

Hello Oceanalla13,

Sertraline is mainly used for depression though it can help with anxiety. Sertraline: Drug Uses, Dosage & Side Effects - Drugs.com It would be worth asking your doctor for a medication that would help you for those short burst traveling visits, an anti-anxiety medication such as lorazepam which can be taken prn. Doctors don't like to give them out as they can be addictive to some people. This would help you in the short term but ultimately you need to consider psychotherapy to help you cope with the anxiety.