I'm scared to be too far away from home too. I've struggled with it all my life in fear that something bad will happen to me or my mom. I also took a gap year after graduating due to high levels of anxiety. I graduated highschool in June 2013 but went back for 1 semester the following school year as a grade 13 student since I didn't want to go crazy doing nothing most days. I upgraded a mark just to keep myself busy. I've been out of school since January but I still consider it a gap year since I didn't go straight to college. I start college in September and i'm nervous but at the same time, i'm way more ready than I was last year. I'm so glad I took the gap because I needed time to relax, think about my future and better my health. I recommend the gap for those of us with bad anxiety. It gives us the motivation and push we need.

Don't let people put down your decisions. You know yourself best and you know what you need to succeed so enjoy your time in Europe! Make sure you have ready resources incase you do start to feel anxious although I'm sure you won't need them. Once you start travelling you'll be so busy that you anxiety won't even be an issue for you.