Going abroad and packing - Anxiety all time high

[Itsacakebaby]

Suffer from depression and anxiety but pretty much managed by anti depressants. Going away for half term. Never look forward to packing (for me and 2 kids) but this year my anxiety levels are terrible. Can't think straight. Feel like I'm losing my mind. Just lost it with dp and told him I'd rather not go (totally irrational I know). Does anyone else get like this? I feel like I'm on my own.

[ForeverEyesOfBlue]

You are not alone.
Packing is stressful at the best of times. Can you do it in stages: make a list, look out the stuff for you and kids, and finally pack it? When do you leave? Can your DP help?
You can do this.

[carmenta]

I find this approach helps me:

• make a list, in sections (clothes, entertainment, electronics, toiletries etc)
  
• lay everything out on a bed, then work my way through the trip in my head (what we'all do, wear etc) to check if I have too much or too little
  
• trial run pack (only if I have time) and reassess, normally I pack too much the first time!
  
• pack
  
• final confirmation that I have the essentials (passport, credit card, money, trip details, emergency contacts)

[Itsacakebaby]

Thank you Forever. I've written a list but I think it's just my frame of mind. We go early Tues morning so still got time but kids home tomorrow and little one likes to talk alot and follows me about when peace and quiet is what I need!! I need a clear head to think straight. DP working and just packs for himself (easy eh?). I'm glad I'm not alone.

[PotteringAlong]

As long as you've got pants, toothbrush and a credit card you will be fine...

[Carminia]

Oh, you are not alone. I was like that in the summer hols, very stressful (I was suffering with quite high anxiety). So, you have a list. Have you done in the past any therapy? CBT? I know is a bit last minute, but they taught me some techniques to deal and stop the "worry thought process". When your mind starts to wonder in that down spiral, you acknowledge and tell yourself "stop", if necessary write down your worries. Is difficult if you have little ones making noise around you, but tomorrow be kind with yourself and maybe a nice dvd will keep them quiet for a couple of hs while you pack? have a nice break and try to enjoy any small moment. When I was very down I used to watch funny cat videos quite a lot to take my mind of the worries, that also worked!

[carmenta]

gruntle.me/

An excellent alternative to funny cat videos

[Ginmakesitallok]

As long as you have tickets, passport, credit/ debit card and insurance details you can probably get everything else you need there (even pants!)

[Itsacakebaby]

Thank you for all your helpful tips. I will definitely try that technique carminia and watch the videos. I know my youngest is very excited and always develops verbal diarrhoea!!! i just need a bit of head space but I then get annoyed and end up feeling bad. Anyway tomorrow is another day and hopefully will be better. Oh yes, pants are packed already!!