Talk me down through this journey please

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It's 5.45 am and I'm sitting in the waiting room of my closest train station here in the NW, heading towards an event in the surroundings of London.

It's something I have taken part to over the last 3-4 years and enjoyed, but always been there driving and with DH. Last year we had the addition of my DS too, and it was a complete disaster - the house got flooded in our absence due to a leak, DS got bronchiolitis due to the freezing cold and snow that plagued London, and DH fell ill and was transported to the local hospital with the ambulance.

This year they have encouraged me to go alone and I left them safe and sound asleep at home, but I am shaking - terrified that something might happen in my absence, to get lost, to miss connections (I have 7 minutes to change train in a station I have never seen ). I can't help thinking I've been selfish and crazy to decide to go on my own. I'm playing with my car keys thinking about coming back home! Please tell me something

I don’t have much advice, other than to try to think logically about your fears - if something happens at home your DH is there and capable of dealing with it. Connections etc, just think about catching the next train / asking station staff for advice and directions (I have to do this frequently as a sight condition means I struggle to read information boards).
Have a great day in London. Deep breath and a handhold from here!

It will be alright. You have your phone and they can call you and you can read the signs at the station. It will be a good day.

Huge well done for going. You will feel great afterwards!

Thanks @FrenchFancie. My postnatal anxiety got to the roof after that episode, I have mentioned it countless times during my CBT sessions, and thought that going again can be a way of facing my fears, but being actually here is different!

I'm now sat on my train seat, train has left. Wish me good luck

Thanks @PersonaNonGarter

Have a great time

Just remember that you have attended this event several times with no problems at all.

You just had 1 bad time. This time is different as you're doing it without your DH. But that's all it is... different

Don't worry about the train change. The station will most likely be quiet at this time on a Saturday morning, so less hustle and bustle and easier to spot the staff for help.

And if the worst thing happens and you do miss your connection, there's bound to be another train soon.

Enjoy your day. You'll be glad you did this... and you're putting last years experience behind you. Win win!

Do you have the Trainline app? It will tell you what platform your next train leaves from and whether it is on time. Good luck

You husband will fix the leak before a flood, your son & DH won't get the germs to get the bronchitis. The weather forecast is good. Today's trip is totally different.

I always tell myself- nobody dies. Do if you miss a connection- nobody dies just get on another train. If you get lost- just stop and ask or follow Google maps. Just enjoy the views. Think if it as an adventure and remember- nobody dies.

Aargh! I knew it!

I have downloaded the app (thanks) and saw that the train I should have changed to is suppressed!

There is the option I could stay on this virgin train up to Euston and go from there by tube (aargh), but I guess my ticket is not valid... can I look for the train staff and buy another one???

Panicking!

Of course you can :) find a guard and explain the issue with the next train but you're happy to pay for a ticket amendment.

You can also ask.if your ticket happens to cover the tube. If it doesn't, just use your bank card (assuming contactless) to get on to the tube system. No registering needed and it's capped daily.

You can tube to whatever station you need then buy a ticket from there out to where you're going if it isn't on the tube network.

Train is so long I don't know where to look for the guy! There is another stop before my supposed change, is he going to go around checking tickets again right?

Where do you need to go from Euston?

You don’t need to find the ticket person before your stop - just explain when they come round (if they come round!)

But if they don't come around and I stay, I won't have a valid ticket to go out at Euston barriers I think

Name change what station is your 7 minute change on? Even Piccadilly you can do a plat form 1 to 14 in under 2 minutes ( 43 seconds is my record...). Bank Quay, Warrington Central, Preston, Wigan, Stockport, Oxenholme and Lancaster are all really small stations & 7 minutes is ample time.

From Euston I could get a tube to Bridge and a local train from there. No I don't have a contactless but if the guy appears I could pay for a ticket covering everything, by debit card? Stop before change is done, hope he comes...

OMG I'm pathetic. GP wants to start weaning me off my pills but maybe it's not the right time yet!

What does your ticket say is your destination? If it says ‘London terminals’ you can go to any station.

I'm not going to get off, 7 min change is suppressed...

It was Watford junction btw. Just passed Nuneaton.

If you're on a Virgin train they have a shop in coach C - the person there can't sort your ticket but might be able to help you find someone who can.

You'll be alright, nice deep breath and one thing at a time. Enjoy your day in London :)

You can use your debit card like an Oyster card on the tube. Just tap on and tap out and it will charge you the cheapest fare.

It doesn't say London terminals as my destination is East Croydon, but it says "any permitted" under "route", does this cover London?

I'm in coach B, going to have a look !

Usually overground tickets don't cover the tube.
Just use your debit card if you need to use the tube.
Also the guards on the gates are always really helpful if you're stuck.

I can buy a separate ticket for the tube I guess, my worry is being able to exit the barriers