Fears About Travelling During Christmas

[batgirl]

the hardest part is over the booking and arangements

Really logan?? Not for me. Arrangments don't freak me out at all actually. They can all be done online now, you don't have to speak to anyone. Anyways, I didn't have to do any arrangements... Mum did everything, for all of us.

The crowds, the rushing, all the unknowns... those are what's bad for me.

 

[grace5555]

Yeah, the arrangements are the easiest part for me...it is the rest that is damn near impossible but we shall do it, huh, Evie? =)

 

[Nicolette]

The crowds, the rushing, all the unknowns... those are what's bad for me.

I don't know whether it will help Evie but is there some way you may be able to shift your focus and think about the tranquility of Angel falls and things of like - trying to not think about the crowds etc? I personally hate unknowns but it is just an idea. You know, like when you are at the doctors and they tell you to envisage yourself lying on the beach etc?

My thoughts are that the things you do know are that you will be with your family and they will protect you as much as they can and I am sure the plans made were done so with you in mind. I am not saying you have no need to worry, but perhaps reminding yourself of these things may help ease your stress a little.

Did you have any luck finding out what the house looked like as I thought that was a good idea?

As I don't have PTSD this may all be stupid but it was just some ideas I thought may help :)

 

[batgirl]

No it doesn't sound stupid Nicolette. I appreciate your suggestions. Visualization has helped me in some instances. Not sure about Angel Falls specifically though, I want to see it but I am super scared to go to Venezuela at all (because of the Colombian guerrillas and the military aspect of Venezuela in general). Actually I might not even be going to Venezuela. Travis and Krista are staying in Curacao because of 10 month old Lucas, just too hard travelling with him... and I might just stay behind with them. I'll see how I feel once I get there.

Yes I am going to try to remind myself that my family is there, I'm going to stick really close to Dad during the actual travel, as he makes me feel more safe than anyone. The only problem is I really do have a phobia of crowds. I'm going to try hard to apply everything I've learned though. I sometimes have no troubles in busy shops.. usually I do but once in a while I am okay, and right now I'm trying to figure out for myself what was different, the times I had no trouble. I'd love if I could figure that out and use it before I go.

The people who own the house promised to send photographs by email, but I haven't received them yet. I hope they arrive soon. Thanks for your help Nicolette.

 

[Grama-Herc]

Het Batgirl!

I got a good idea for you to handle the crowds. Years and years ago a music teacher told me to just imagine that everyone is dressed only in their underwear! You will so busy giggling you won't have time to worry or get frightened!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Good trip to you. Happy holidays GRAMA-HERC

 

[batgirl]

Oh haha Herc, I remember getting told that too, in school when we had to do speeches. I haven't heard anyone say that for ages. Who knows, maybe it would help? If I was laughing I likely wouldn't be as afraid. Thanks I am going to try it! I hope you have a very nice holiday too, hope you get to see your daughter and grandchild.

 

[batgirl]

Well, just a quick update. I leave for my trip tomorrow morning. I am still nervous, but feeling way less afraid. Thanks goes to Anthony for talking to me on the phone for over an hour!! I realized during the conversation that I have travelled many, many times and nothing bad has ever happened to me. In fact, pre-trauma I used to very much enjoy travelling. So now I'm trying to hang on to those good memories and think positively about my trip. I've decided against taking the valium, I'm going to deal with this head on. I've no doubt I'll be ill for a day afterwards once we arrive, but I am going to try my hardest to get through it. My family will be there for me. I'm even reconsidering going to Venezuela now. I think I might regret it and/or consider it a failure if I don't go, so I'm going to try very hard to push past my fears. This morning I woke up thinking, screw you PTSD!! Haha. I'm really going to fight it. Have a great holiday everyone!

 

[becvan]

I haven't commented much on this.. I haven't been on a plane in years and certainly can't go on any trips right now.. but.. in my narrowed knowledge on this one.. I think your doing great! I do hope you work through it all!

bec

 

[batgirl]

Thanks Bec, just one more thing to try and accomplish I guess! Not sure how you feel about travelling, I can't remember if we've discussed it or not, but you'll have to work on it so you can come visit us sometime! ;) I hope you have the best holiday possible!

 

[becvan]

Short trips from home.. I'm not bad. I get a little nervous. Long trips.. omg, I'm a mess. It's a huge trigger for me.

bec

 

[Claire]

Hello Evie, just back from my hols and read this briefly. I got back last night after a 30 hr journey back (dont ask!)There are always quiet corners of airports, no matter how busy. You just need to find them. I go walk about in the plane a lot too and usually prefer to stand by the door area where there's more space for a bit of time out. Take lots of distractions too, my nintendo came in handy:smile:

Have to good holiday and Merry Christmas to you and the family.

 

[batgirl]

HOLY 30 hours... OMG. Our trip is going to be very long too, about 14 hours I think? But 30? Wow. I hope you are resting lots.

I just got a new Nintendo DS myself. I'm definitely taking it along. Have a good holiday yourself, I'm interested to hear how it all went for you but I guess I will have to wait until I get back!