Moving cross country

[butterfly82]

My husband is retiring from the military and we are moving from TX to PA in two months. The retirement was unexpected and so was the move. Since moving here 4 years ago my panic disorder and agoraphobia have become increasingly worse. In trying really hard to stay strong. But I'm freaking out thinking of this road trip with me, my husband, 4 kids under the age of 9 and a small dog. I use to love road trips and adventures and change. I just want to get back to that somehow. I don't want to be grouchy irritable mom the whole trip. My husband said we will take our time and only drive 4-5 hours a day.

Any tips or has anyone else done a move like this under these anxiety issues?

[butterfly82]

Hi butterfly. I have terrible agoraphobia too. Ive moved back and forward between perth to London to perth to London to Ireland to perth to Ireland to perth Ireland to perth to Melbourne to Ireland! At these times i never was on medication having only really started dealing with my problems in the last 5 of 25 yrs. Truth is i couldn't eat for a week before it. I was a wreck and ill each time. I can confirm though as I'm obviously here, not once did it kill me. :) It was always very hard. If i had to do it again i do believe i would lessen the nightmare and take a benzo if or when needed or what other med a doc would suggest for assisting through the process. Moving house is undeniably a massive stress and going interstate with the kids too can be daunting. When you get there you will be glad though as a new chapter begins. Prepare for possible difficulty butterfly but you will do it. We have faith in you. It never works out as bad as we imagine it is in the end. :)


Thank you :) I do have Kolonopin which helps a little. I will talk to my doctor. I'm more afraid of the long highways with nothing around. this all happened unexpectedly and quick, we don't even have a house to go to other than my parents. I wish I could just fly and have the cars shipped, but then flying freaks me out too lol! The good thing is that I am looking forward to being near family again- just not looking forward to the process of getting there.

[butterfly82]

Butterfly you will be so busy playing hours of eye spy, singing songs, breaking up rows over who gets to choose the next movie on the iPad in the back you will be snoozing in between. :) focus on your destination and little breaks often. You're going to be great.


Yes! That is perfect, thank you :) Putting it that perspective makes it sound fun and manageable. I have to remember to make it fun and memorable for the kids. They already miss out on so much because of me, I'm tired of holding them back.

[butterfly82]

Don't forget then you wont just be making it fun but if they know its hard on you then you get to teach them courage in the face of challenges too :) valuable lessons from mum to kids. :)

That's very true- especially with my 9 year old daughter who knows when I'm having a panic attack.