Anxiety and having to go on holiday tomorrow!

[BigbreastsBiggerbeard]

Just posting to get this off my chest really. It's going to seem so trivial to many.

I suffer from anxiety. Tomorrow I'm going on holiday for the first time in...can't even remember how long. I don't DO holidays. I don't do anything that's outside my comfort zone, except if it's something I actively want to do and even then it takes me ages to get around to it.

I thought I could handle it, and yes, there's certainly a possibility that when I'm there I'll 'enjoy' aspects of it, being near the sea, etc. But I'm so consumed with the stress of having to get everything ready - it seems like such a monumental task and I want to just get into bed and stay there. THIS is exactly why I don't go away - having to make sure everything I need it with me, and of course, being in unfamiliar surroundings.

I have ME and and so scared I'll be exhausted whilst there. I'm going with my partner and he's quite excited and I feel so, so bad and guilty as excitement is something I don't feel.

Am I alone in this? Anyone else detest holidays as due to the stress?

I love a holiday, but there is always a moment of 'this is more hassle than its worth!' at some point during the preparation.

Just think what's the absolute worst thing that could happen if you forget something? You have to come home? Or a buy a new one? Neither is that horrendous in the grand scheme of things! It's worse to never have a holiday than to have on, but pack badly!

Have a lovely time! Or at least a good time.

I find holidays stressful, particularly the travel part. I'm just a homebody.

Try to relax your body. If your body is relaxed your mind will follow.

Please don't beat yourself up. Even I can get a bit stressed when getting ready for a holiday, and I don't have anxiety.

I totally understand everything you have said! So sorry you are going through this OP.
Take the day in 15 minutes chunks. Do 15 mins of packing then stop. Have a hot drink. Something nice to snack on. Read or watch an episode of something you find comforting/soothing. Then try again. Be kind to yourself.
Keep trying and don't beat yourself up about this. You are doing the best you can.
It is absolutely horrible I know xxx

I usually spend the day before telling myself this will be the last time I ever go on holiday because they always ramp up my anxiety, you aren't alone.

You’re not alone. I have a list of EVERYTHING and up date for every holiday we go on. Then, if I really am so stressed out by it that’s it’s upsetting, DH can pack.

Thank you for all your replies! I'm feeling a TINY bit better as my partner has been over and taken what seems like half my flat in his car. So that tomorrow, I only need to take myself and my backpack. It's ridiculous the amount of stuff needed! Having said that, we are taking bedding too as the place doesn't provide that.

DressyMcDressFace - that's a great idea; will keep a list of everything on the (slim) chance further holidays occur. Wildthingsinthenight - thank you. It's always good to know we're not alone with our crazy feelings. I had to go purchase emergency sugar rations earlier - that's how I know I'm stressed to the max, when wine gums are needed

It's a UK holiday?

Yep I totally understand that feeling, I'm the same. I take a few things with me like my favourite mug, it makes me feel more at home.

I feel the same. Always seems a great idea when I book but as it draws near I get this sense of dread. I have anxiety issues.
The packing seems to confirm we are going and means no backing out. My thoughts then race about what can go wrong. I too worry about how far from home I am and traveling too- even a holiday close to home in our country stirs this in me.
Once there and unpacked I'm fine and enjoy it but do look forward to returning to 'normality'.

I put the iron in the downstairs cloakroom so I know I haven't left it plugged in and I take a picture of all the taps so I know I haven't left one running!

Then I just shut the door and forget about the house

We don't do much holidaying. Three or four days away in the UK is usually enough, as I'm not keen on flying. The main problem Is that when we get back (especially if I've enjoyed it) , I have several days of that down, anticlimax feeling.

You're not alone. I'm due to go on holiday this week, and I'm seriously considering not going because I'm so anxious about it. Rationally, I know that it will be fine and I might even enjoy it but I'm at the stage where I wish I'd never booked it and am calculating how much I would lose if I cancelled and whether it's worth just writing that off.
I wish I wasn't like this, in my 20s I went all over the place and even lived abroad but now I'm reluctant to even go on a short holiday in the UK.
I hope you have a straightforward journey tomorrow and you do or see some things while on holiday that make it worth going. I usually find that when I force myself to go it ends up being worth it overall and I make some nice memories (sounds a bit cheesy but I mean it genuinely).

MightyAtlantic - yes, that's what I'm like - logic tells me I'll enjoy at least some of it, but it's the preparation, such a slog. Will certainly be attempting to make some lovely memories as it's my first time away with new (seven months) partner. And the sea air is supposed to be good for us, isn't it??

Are you going abroad or staying in the UK?