Traveling With Ptsd

[deleted]

I'm hoping to head up to Seattle in April or May to visit my family and just get out of my city for awhile.

The thing is this would be my first time traveling alone and I'm not sure how well I would navigate the airport and the airplane by myself. Honestly I love traveling but I've always had someone there for support if something starts to go south. There's no way I could take anyone on this trip but I would really love to see my family and I really need out of this state for awhile.

How do you guys navigate traveling? I'm a little concerned seeing as I live in Denver and DIA is a gigantic airport.

Any thoughts would be much appreciated!

 

[maelstrom]

Hi, I'm an expert on this, lol. In fact my trauma comes partly from air travel but for many years I had to keep on taking airplanes, which of course was absolute hell, but over the years I did learn something that could help, if only a little.

First, have your emergency meds ready. I feel bad for saying this, but there are times when only meds can help. Having it in your pocket can also reduce your stress, because you know when things get out of control you still have something to fall back on. You may not end up taking it (which will be a good thing, because emergency pills like benzo should not be abused), but having it will help.

The next thing is having your distraction package ready. That means books, music, games, things you can watch movies with, and a journal if you enjoy writing. When you are slightly anxious these things can help distract you and make you focus on something else.

It is also a good idea to treat yourself to something. I suppose there are shops and cafes, etc. at the airport, so you can treat yourself to something you don't usually get (like a super indulgent drink, but non-alcoholic if you are taking meds).

When you don't know where to go or what to do, always feel free to ask for help. The staff there are trained to help you, so you should take advantage of that instead of worrying yourself too much.

And when you have a moment to relax, you can call your family. If you are in good relation with your family it can help a lot. Tell them you are at the airport and what you are doing/feeling, and plan some fun activities you can do together when you get there.

Hope this helps and let me know if you have any questions!

 

[hotrod351]

your braver than me. i wouldnt even attempt that. good luck.

 

[EveHarrington]

Run down every aspect of your trip.

Airport!

What is it about the airport that makes you anxious? What sorts of things could you do to calm yourself down in this environment? What things do you need to keep your anxiety low?

My answers:

MP3 player with my favorite music.

Headphones. (Both kinds because one kind will hurt my ears if used for too long.)

My favorite book.

Ear plugs.

Comfort food that you can get through security or buy in the terminal.

Travel pillow.

Blanket.

Phone with all possible needed numbers so I can call without having to look them up. (Crisis line, airline, etc)

And so on. (It's amazing what I can fit in a carry on!)


Do these sorts of run downs for the different environments you will be in. It will help you prepare for anything that may be thrown your way.

This is how I prepare for my trips. It helps a lot!

Good luck!

 

[Poofycat]

Check in online before you get there and give yourself plenty of time to get through security. Check out the airport website. You can find a map there so you can plan your route before you get there; you should be able to look up your gate number the night before or morning of your flight. The map will also show you were you can get snacks or a hot drink on your way to the gate. You can try talking to the gate agent to see if you can board the plane early so you don't have to deal with the crowd. Be prepared to ask for help if you need it.

 

[Ocean5]

-Review map of airport before you arrive in case you need to take mini-train to another terminal. All depends on airport. You can print out ahead of time.
-Don't be afraid to ask for help. Even if from another airline or security guard.
-I like noise reducing ear plugs for music/podcast (not the large type), and earplugs.
-You can get apps for gate changes and luggage.
-If really stressed tell check-in counter, or boarding station. Depending on airline they will take care of you. Maybe early boarding? If you have the money - I highly recommend paying for early boarding like with American Airlines. Much less stressful, and knowing your carry-on will be right above you reduces stress.

Most important --- don't be afraid to ask for help from airline, or other passengers. For all the bad in world - still many good people willing to help a stranger traveling.

 

[Louis B]

Hi there Katie,

I've found - at least in my own experience - that isolation can be extremely seductive, especially when doing regular day-to-day things can be such an overwhelming task. So I firstly want to congratulate on entertaining the idea of travelling, it is a brave, constructive and profoundly positive move you are making.

I think the other members on here have done an impeccable job in giving you some practical tips to aid you on your journey, and I won't attempt to do a better job then they have. However, I may be able to provide you with some tips or at least perspectives, that have helped me and may help put your mind at ease while you travel :)

If you are at all like me, you may be experiencing a certain amount of anxiety about undertaking this journey and may well feel this anxiety pop up intermittently as you travel. A perspective that greatly helped me deal with this, was from the philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson. He wrote "Do the thing you fear and the death of fear is certain". Although I found myself quite afraid of travelling, the thought that undertaking this journey would help me in the long run - by helping to conquer my fears - gave me much support, comfort and hope for the future. Im sure after you complete this journey, your anxiety about future travels will lessen, you will have gained much more control, strength and confidence within yourself.

Another things to keep in mind, is that even attempting this flight will be a great accomplishment, and something you can most definitely be proud of! It takes a brave and strong person to face there fears, as true courage is knowing that the fear is there but going for it anyway. Whatever happens, you can take great pride in the steps you are taking and with the wonderful practical tips the other members have given you, I'm sure you're journey will be a success!

Good luck and Warm Regards,

Louis