I leave in 2 days! How do you keep anxiety at bay?

[4orm]

Over the past few years I have become prone to panic attacks (I have a problem with my adrenal glands which cause them)! The more excited I get, the more anxious I feel. How do you relax before you get to WDW? I need to forget I'm going or I'll be exhausted from the attacks

 

[kilee]

I don't know that you can exactly forget you are going. May be too late now, but I would talk to your doctor. If this is truly a medical problem then they could possibly give you something short term to help you.

Usually my last 2-3 days before a trip are so hectic that I don't have time to get too excited. I wait until the final days to start packing-- so I'm packing, double checking reservations, getting my work at work taken care of, getting the pets to where they have to be, ect......

 

[kjs1976]

Just picture yourself in a "happy" scenerio at WDW...walking down Main Street, watching the fireworks...something that puts your mind at ease. If you visualize a happy, relaxed, problem-free trip, you will feel more at ease!

I don't quite have the panic attacks you have, but I do get the "dreams" or rather nightmares, about everything that could go wrong...but hey, even if something does go wrong, I'll be prepared!!!!! No worries!

 

[tbelfonti]

Have you tried self hypnosis tapes? Those work magic for me

Enjoy your trip

 

[missypie]

Put your flight info (tickets or itinerary if ticketless), drivers license, credit card, cash and park tickets in a place where you CAN'T forget them. Okay. That is really ALL that is essential. Beyond that, play "What's the worst that can happen?" You'll see that no matter what you forget, didn't plan, etc., it won't ruin your vacation. (When I travel abroad, I have countless "expired passport" nightmares, even though I've checked and double checked the expiraton date.)

 

[ptrbryant]

I write EVERYTHING I need to pack on a piece of paper ahead of time and draw a line through the item as it is actually packed...that way, I at least eliminate the "what did I forget?" fear.

I've suffered from panic attacks on and off for 25 years (even though most people who know me have no idea). You're correct that if you're very excited about something, that rising excitement level can trick your body into creating "panic" symptoms. I've found that slow, deep breathing for about 10 - 15 minutes a day (or 2x a day) starting NOW will help. Also, if you do have full-fledged panic attacks, I would ask your doctor for a med. that could provide you with fast-acting, short-lived relief. Even if you don't need it, it may reduce your anticipatory anxiety (i.e. "What if I have a panic attack as soon as.....?")

Also, try doing a crossword puzzle or something similar that actually helps shift the blood flow in your brain.
Best of luck...you'll be fine!

Karla B.