Hi, all. About a month ago, I started a thread about how to deal with bad anxiety issues while in Disney World. I came back from a great weekend trip and wanted to share some thoughts.
For one, I don't think I'll ever go to Disney World alone again like I used to. When there is someone else there, it distracts me from my "bad thoughts" and makes me less anxious. I was even there with my mother, who, like all mothers, can really get on my nerves, but overall we were good traveling companions.
I did tell my mother that there might be times when I would need a break, when we could slip into the Hall of Presidents or American Adventure and take a nap or something. She was very understanding. We never really needed to do this.
I get very anxious waiting on lines. If I'm not moving, I'm squirming. I have no patience or tolerance for that kind of thing. By utilizing fast pass and going on rides early in the day, the longest wait we had (except for the new Toy Story ride) was about 20 minutes. Most were walk-ons.
Before going, I made a VERY conservative list of things I really wanted to see. Even though I hadn't been in 6 years, I went with the opinion of, "You've been on these rides a hundred times; it's not the end of the world if you don't get on them again." By taking the pressure off to see all but a few things, I was able to relax and go with the flow. We canceled an early morning character breakfast and a sit-down dinner. Not having to be at a restaurant at any given time was another stress reliever.
When my OCD did get bad, I tried to drown in out with showtunes. Sometimes it didn't work, but thankfully, I was able to somewhat control it. I guess it's like a bad back; it's always going to hurt; I'll always experience Disney (and most other things) "differently" than most others; I have to learn to live with it. It's not the end of the world.
On Saturday, we took a long break and had tea at the Grand Floridian. I cannot recommend this more. It was so calming, so nice. . . I sort of forgot I was even at Disney World. And the food was fantastic.
I think keeping the trip short helped relieve anxiety as well. I tend to feel most comfortable at home; by last night, I really just wanted to get home to my cat.
Finally, I made sure to have an extra supply of Klonopin with me. My doctor approves of me taking extra when I need it, so I wasn't abusing the drug or anything. When I started getting anxious and tired, in the middle of the day, I would take half a pill and that would really take the edge off.
Thanks to all for your suggestions.
For one, I don't think I'll ever go to Disney World alone again like I used to. When there is someone else there, it distracts me from my "bad thoughts" and makes me less anxious. I was even there with my mother, who, like all mothers, can really get on my nerves, but overall we were good traveling companions.
I did tell my mother that there might be times when I would need a break, when we could slip into the Hall of Presidents or American Adventure and take a nap or something. She was very understanding. We never really needed to do this.
I get very anxious waiting on lines. If I'm not moving, I'm squirming. I have no patience or tolerance for that kind of thing. By utilizing fast pass and going on rides early in the day, the longest wait we had (except for the new Toy Story ride) was about 20 minutes. Most were walk-ons.
Before going, I made a VERY conservative list of things I really wanted to see. Even though I hadn't been in 6 years, I went with the opinion of, "You've been on these rides a hundred times; it's not the end of the world if you don't get on them again." By taking the pressure off to see all but a few things, I was able to relax and go with the flow. We canceled an early morning character breakfast and a sit-down dinner. Not having to be at a restaurant at any given time was another stress reliever.
When my OCD did get bad, I tried to drown in out with showtunes. Sometimes it didn't work, but thankfully, I was able to somewhat control it. I guess it's like a bad back; it's always going to hurt; I'll always experience Disney (and most other things) "differently" than most others; I have to learn to live with it. It's not the end of the world.
On Saturday, we took a long break and had tea at the Grand Floridian. I cannot recommend this more. It was so calming, so nice. . . I sort of forgot I was even at Disney World. And the food was fantastic.
I think keeping the trip short helped relieve anxiety as well. I tend to feel most comfortable at home; by last night, I really just wanted to get home to my cat.
Finally, I made sure to have an extra supply of Klonopin with me. My doctor approves of me taking extra when I need it, so I wasn't abusing the drug or anything. When I started getting anxious and tired, in the middle of the day, I would take half a pill and that would really take the edge off.
Thanks to all for your suggestions.
