Holiday and anxiety

I need 2 lots of advice really. Firstly have panic attacks and anxiety but am supposed to be going on holiday tomorrow to whitby for 5 nights with family. The thing is my mum made it quite clear that she doesn't want her holiday ruined and told me not to go if im going to feel ill or be complaining. Her sister who is also going has always seen me as an hypochondriac and thinks im an attention seeker, well thats what I heard her say. My dad just thinks im nuts. Anyway im worried that if I go im going to feel in a horrible mood and want to go home, obviously I can't go home but im scared of having all the nasty panic feelings and moods. I want to go incase I enjoy it though as I need a break. Its a gamble really, what do you think I should do??

Secondly, im going to miss college for the forth time in a row on wednesday and am not particularly worried about being behind as I can easy catch up but I will probably get kicked off the course. I felt ill last week, had an interview the week before and was having problems the 2 weeks before that. Im going in tomorrow so am trying to think of something to tell the lecturer but have no idea what to say, I don't want to say im going on holiday and am not admitting to this anxiety thing. Does anyone know what I can say?

I really want to go but these few things are stopping me :confused:

What do you think?

Thanks

Reply 1

chatshowcharlie

Oh goodness, I have this exact same problem! If I were you, I'd definitely talk to your mum - if you feel guilty, you'll be putting more stress on yourself and making things worse. Explain that you want to have a good time and don't want to disrupt things for anybody, but that it would be really helpful if she was understanding and supportive. Your dad's attitude sounds really unhelpful - you're not nuts, don't worry! Be clear with yourself and others that anxiety is an illness which can be treated - it's not just pointless worrying!

In the meantime, there's plenty you can do to manage your anxiety in the short-term - make sure you're eating properly (good starchy breakfast, like porridge, will keep your blood sugar stable throughout the day. Have regular meals and lots of fresh fruit, and avoid snacking on sugary things!). If you feel anxious, try spending five minutes breathing deeply, or try to keep your mind busy.

Finally, when you get back from holiday, make an appointment to see your GP - you should probably look into having some cognitive behavioural therapy, which can really help with anxiety.

As for college - be honest! It's clear that your anxiety is chronic and they should be understanding and supportive if you let them know you need help. If there's a counsellor there, try and speak to them.

Very best of luck to you - I hope you have a lovely holiday and manage to sort things out.

Reply 2

puppy

Go to your doctor and get some valium to get through the holiday (just don't take buckets of it otherwise everyone will think you're drunk), then when you get back try addressing the problem properly so it's taken care of in the long term.