Anxiety when traveling

[lexNY]

Hi All

I recently went on a business trip to Las Vegas and was super excited at about going but By the time I landed and walked into the crowded and dark casinos my anxiety hit me like crazy! My stomach was in knots. I couldn't eat at all the entire time because every time we sat down in a restaurant I would literally start shaking from anxiety. To top it off from being so stressed for 48 hours straight my pupil in my right eye became dilated. I not only felt awful but looked like a freak!!! It was absolutely awful and 2 days I had to walk around a trade show floor. Once my anxiety hit I could not shake it at all. I tried nice hot baths. Deep breathing. Anything I could think of. At first I wasn't sure if I was getting sick but after the first 48 hours I resorted to taking a xanax and within 45 minutes I felt normal again.
I just hate the after affects of xanax because it just makes me exhausted. Anyone have some tips when traveling or how to calm yourself down when the anxiety overpowers you?

[Lee Grant Irons]

Hi lex,

Are there any particular emotions or situation that seem to trigger your anxiety? For example, does excitement normally trigger your anxiety? Do new locations normally trigger your anxiety? Do crowds of people trigger it?

[lexNY]

It's definitely the crowds and worse in rooms where the exit isn't immediately seen. It's a slight feeling of claustrophobia. It seems to just make me feel suffocated and uncomfortable

[Lee Grant Irons]

Have you tried doing things to alleviate these fears or divert your attention. For example, when you go into a restaurant, ask for a table near and exit. If you go into a crowded place, really focus on the beneficial purpose for going into that place, and then stay focused on that purpose and why iot benefits you while you are in there. Have you tried ideas such as these?

[lexNY]

I like your thoughts on focusing on the purpose or benefits. I do try to situate myself near an exit or at least acknowledge where one is. I think my one problem was simply focusing on getting through the dinner or getting through the trade show floor plan but I wasn't focusing on why I was there or my purpose. It seemed to ease my anxiety when I would simply stop by a booth and strike up a conversation with someone. It's just crazy how the anxiety really drains you physically and emotionally. Perhaps making a mental list of positives or benefits before going into a situation will divert my anxiety to excitement instead of fear.

[Lee Grant Irons]

Good plan! In general, this is a good way to live for anyone, regardless of whether they have anxiety. LOL

[lexNY]

Hahah you are correct there!! But then again most people don't have to make a list and can just enjoy a nice dinner and free vacation on their company. Oh i envy those normal folks LOL

[Lee Grant Irons]

That would be called a "boondoggle." LOL