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How safe is London?? Anxiety!

111 replies

BeingmummyIsTheBestxo · 04/06/2024 19:08

My partner has let slip that he's booked a weekend in London for in couple weeks time for my birthday, we will be going for one.nigjt and watching a show at the west end. He's booked it all and arranged childcare for our toddler. I don't want to seem ungrategul, I'm very thankful especially as h doesn't usually do gestures like this! But I a m scared, I do have anxiety and OCD but mainly pure o with the intrusive thoughts. It is quite severe. Since I found out we ar going all I have done is worry about things, terror attacks, being mugged, train crashes, getting stuck on the tube etc etc. I have been to London a few times before but obviously my anxiety has massively tripled. Those of you that live in London how safe actually is it? I imagine these scenarios are not common. I'm really scared and I just know that the whole time leading up to and the time of being there I will be an anxious nervous wreck. I've even gone as far to write a letter toy toddler as I'm terrified I won't come back!!

OP posts:
Byronada · 05/06/2024 08:22

OP I completely get feeling anxious. I haven't read all the responses but I'm sitting on a bus in central London now on my way to work. It's a beautiful sunny morning. I've lived in London for over 30 years, in the suburbs and worked in central London all that time. I've never known anyone who has been mugged, attacked or pickpocketed. Central London is very safe. Come and have a wonderful time.

MavisPennies · 05/06/2024 08:24

You'll be fine. I've lived here since 2001, in that time:
Had my phone pickpocketed twice (both in Camden market, both early 2000s)
Had someone help me carry my buggy up or down stairs on the tube 1000s and 1000s of times
Had a nice chat with a random person in the street/shops/on the bus or tube... Quite rarely (transit time is thinking time, noone wants to chat on the tube)
Been helped or helped others with specific things (directions, helped up if fallen over etc) 100s of times.
Take a deep breath and enjoy yourself.

GreekVases · 05/06/2024 08:29

BeingmummyIsTheBestxo · 04/06/2024 20:59

The reason I asked is because yes I have anxiety but I don't think it's unreasonable to ask people opinions or experiences especially when you see terrible things in the news almost daily about knife crime, shootings, etc in and around the capital.

But these involve Londoners, often those involved in gang activity, not random tourists, and are highly unlikely to take place anywhere you’ll be visiting!

BeingmummyIsTheBestxo · 05/06/2024 09:22

Thanks for your responses everybody. So nice to hear all these nice things and I definitely feel more reassured. Thank you so much.

OP posts:
HerculesMulligan · 05/06/2024 11:45

Like others, OP, I've lived in London for 20 years, in the centre and the suburbs, and worked in the City, central and west London. It is extremely safe, particularly the parts you'll visit. You will be fine. Your biggest risk is blisters - I bet you do loads more walking than you'd expect, so wear comfortable shoes.

Springwatch123 · 05/06/2024 13:54

Along with comfortable shoes, I carry a water bottle and a snack.

Gave a great time.

Mrsjayy · 05/06/2024 16:24

BeingmummyIsTheBestxo · 05/06/2024 09:22

Thanks for your responses everybody. So nice to hear all these nice things and I definitely feel more reassured. Thank you so much.

You will have a good time, just being nosey what are you going to see?

BeingmummyIsTheBestxo · 05/06/2024 17:26

Mrsjayy · 05/06/2024 16:24

You will have a good time, just being nosey what are you going to see?

I have no idea. Its supposed to be a surprise so we'll see. Last time we went to see Jersey boys and I absolutely loved that, so I wouldn't mind seeing it again!

OP posts:
Mrsjayy · 05/06/2024 17:30

BeingmummyIsTheBestxo · 05/06/2024 17:26

I have no idea. Its supposed to be a surprise so we'll see. Last time we went to see Jersey boys and I absolutely loved that, so I wouldn't mind seeing it again!

Oo surprise even better I'm sure you will have a great trip and the toddler will also have a great time,.

LePetitMarseillias · 05/06/2024 19:49

Lived here all my life op. Bringing my kids up here too. It's super safe. Enjoy x

Yalta · 02/08/2024 22:02

BeingmummyIsTheBestxo · 04/06/2024 19:08

My partner has let slip that he's booked a weekend in London for in couple weeks time for my birthday, we will be going for one.nigjt and watching a show at the west end. He's booked it all and arranged childcare for our toddler. I don't want to seem ungrategul, I'm very thankful especially as h doesn't usually do gestures like this! But I a m scared, I do have anxiety and OCD but mainly pure o with the intrusive thoughts. It is quite severe. Since I found out we ar going all I have done is worry about things, terror attacks, being mugged, train crashes, getting stuck on the tube etc etc. I have been to London a few times before but obviously my anxiety has massively tripled. Those of you that live in London how safe actually is it? I imagine these scenarios are not common. I'm really scared and I just know that the whole time leading up to and the time of being there I will be an anxious nervous wreck. I've even gone as far to write a letter toy toddler as I'm terrified I won't come back!!

All these things happen outside of London as well. It’s not like London is the only place where terror attacks or mugging or train crashes happen.In fact I think you are safer here than in your local town

I have never known anyone stuck on the tube. What does that even mean? Do you think the tube stops then you are there for ever and the tunnel gets filled in and everyone just digs another tunnel and leaves everyone in the stuck tube beneath the ground for ever

You are going to the West End, seeing a show and staying in a hotel for the night.

Enjoy it for what it is. A lovely time away

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