Feeling Normal @ WDW

[Sarah McD]

I've been dealing with depression and anxiety since 5th grade and it's been a daily struggle. However, I'm not sure how to explain it but when I was at Disney World I felt what normal must feel like.

I wasn't missing somewhere else (i always find that I miss where I was when I'm somewhere else and then I miss somewhere else when I'm back where I was - if that makes any sense) and I didn't think about all the things I usually think about (panicking about the future, overthinking things I did years ago, typical anxiety stuff).

I was happy where I was and I only thought about things that related to what was going on, which was awesome. I just thought it was so amazing how a trip to Disney World, a place I never would have visited if I didn't get that free DVD in the mail, made me feel better than all the therapy and medication ever has.

Has anyone else ever felt a similar way or is it just me?

 

[Purplestorm]

I think what you are feeling is very common (for those that are in a similar situation). I am glad that you got that break from reality! I have used walkthroughs on YouTube to escape at times... Besides the FUN, I think the sunshine, fresh air and exercise an really help clear a mind.

 

[Disney Villager]

This is the exact same as me. I've not suffered with depression for some time, but anxiety has crippled me over the years. As soon as I enter a Disney Park, I just feel... normal? I can't explain it but like you say, I imagine that that's what normal feels like! Haha.

 

[ParksPixar&Pizza]

I go through the same thing. I'm not diagnosed but I have mood swings where I just get really down in the dumps about the future and what's going on (I have a lot of medical issues), but Disney World (and just Disney in general) really helps soothe and calm me. You feel so normal in a place like Disney....you just want to live there or go as often as you can. When I am feeling off, I always go on the MDE App and just think about what I'd do if I was there and hypothetically there and watch YouTube videos. It's very soothing!