Ahh this is so frusterating. I am 17 years old and my boyfriend invited me to go on a trip with his family, but whenever I go somewhere, my anxiety begins to trigger and I can't sleep at night. It's not the actual travel, for example the driving or flying, it's knowing I can't come home. It's like a feel stranded in a place I'm unfamiliar with. It's such a weird thing. I want to be able to do this. I want to be able to travel without fear of getting a strange disease and dying. My anxiety and hypochondria only become worse when I travel. It's not like I'm not comfortable telling my boyfriend because he knows all of my anxiety problems and stuff, but I don't think he understands traveling is so easy for him. I definately do not think medicine is an answer, I just wish it would go away. I might have to fly home alone, and the thought of being on a plane makes me get that stranded feeling too, like if I really had an emergency, I'd be stuck on a plane. Does anyone have advice or at least can relate to me? I really want to go with their family and him, but I don't know if I can. I know I need to get over this because soon enough I am going to college and I have to be alright on my own.

Thanks for reading this.

I have travel anxiety as well. In fact it is weird that most of my anxiety is when I meet my family. Like there are huge expectations and whatnot, but general travel anxiety as well. It feels like I am trapped and I get the fight or flight response and want out as quick as possible and sometimes that isn't an option. There are breathing techniques that help and yes, medication also helps. I pop a xanax before my flight and I have no problems at all. Consider it, but first try meditation and some herbal remedies such as Valerian and Kava. Both herbs have a relaxing effect on the central nervous system and may be all you need to take the edge off.

I get the same way in similar situations. What I find works for me (may not for everyone) is to think of the worst case scenario and what would happen. So for example lets say you were on a plane and required medical attention- you would indicate this to a flight attendent and they would talk to the pilot and they would land at the next closest airport and you would be fine. You would never see those people ont he plan again so who cares what they think! At the destination, I would look up the closest hospitals, etc and know where they were. So I prepare really well for all situations and think through the worst case scenarios and what I would do so I know I have a plan and am not anxious about it. I also carry Ativan in case I need it- I usually don't take it, but at least I know I have that option. HTH!