Does anyone else get the worst anxiety ever

[jimmyateworld]

When you're going on holiday ?
We're abroad for Xmas this year, first time ever, and yes I'm looking forward to it but my anxiety is through the roof. I have diagnosed ocd (intrusive thoughts these days rather than compulsions as it used to be) I also suffer from pretty bad anxiety. So yeah it doesn't take me much to freak out but I am just on edge all the time at the moment.
I've got fucking loads to do, decided to give the kids their Xmas presents early too as they're only young and don't know the difference. Could it be that too making me like this because it's out of the ordinary?

Also I've noticed lately I'm so much worse in the morning, especially when my dh leaves for work. wtf is that all about ?
I couldn't sleep last night it was so weird as I was tired and on the edge off falling asleep but just couldn't, I've never had that before.

Yes I bet anxiety before holidays. I try and tackle it by giving myself a set period of time only to think about sorting holiday stuff, like an hour in the evenings to do packing / book activities / plan / write lists etc. I keep anything related to holiday for that hour and then I can kind of relax a bit knowing I don’t have to think of it the rest of the day.

also this time of year is just mad anyway. I couldn’t sleep this Monday and last night,?knowing all the mountain of work I had to do this week before I can “relax” (but then by relax I mean food shop for feeding 7 people at Christmas and get everything ready for Christmas hahah argh). I do not feel relaxed. I’m tackling the anxiety through exercise. Got gym sessions with a PT booked for Friday and then Christmas eve. It’s the best way to get rid of anxiety for me,

Oh god I wish I had the motivation to exercise!! I know it would probably help release some pent up feelings. I am trying to break things down to smaller tasks, and I have managed to wrap some presents. Every time I think of what needs doing I just feel so overwhelmed.
I think you're right saying the time of year is mental. But usually I enjoy Christmas and the run up to it.

It is so worth trying to do just a bit of exercise - even if its just a walk round your local area after evening meal to look at the christmas lights. It helps me get some perspective and chills me out more than anything else I've tried.

You're doing great, just keep telling yourself that. Everyone else is probably feeling the same. You're not alone. Well done on the wrapping. My dishwasher has broken down as well this week. Fucking hell that is one thing I didn't need.

I think sharing how you are feeling also helps and delegating where you can - I told DP he is responsible for all gift wrapping!

Yes I have adhd. It paralyses me. One thing that helped massively is that last year I made a holiday packing list and saved it on Google Drive. Took all the stress and anxiety away to just refer to it and not reinvent the wheel. I think having a list for every regular thing helps enormously.

Should add just came back from a 5 day break and the packing was the least stressful it has ever been thanks to the list!

Chat GPT can also help with generating the lists.

As soon as I've unpacked in the next 40mins I'm going to the gym for physical and mental benefits.

Thank you. Yes I have lists, lots of them ! 😆 I just cannot focus. Usually I'm really good at organising for things like this but I just feel totally overwhelmed. I'm going to get out for a walk with the little ones after lunch and see if that helps.
I've also spoken to my doctor who has prescribed me some diazepam to hopefully calm my head down and help me get things done.
I should be excited! Any normal person would, not me, freaking out !

Yes I get holiday anxiety. Had to keep taking deep breaths on the way to the airport to try to keep calm. I know once I’m on the plane it’ll go and I’ll have a great time, which I did. I can never seem to remember that it’ll all be ok. Going to the theatre this afternoon and part of me wishes I was staying indoors but I know I’ll love it. It’s my routine being disturbed I think I struggle with

Also I've noticed lately I'm so much worse in the morning, especially when my dh leaves for work. wtf is that all about ?

That's the burst of cortisol which is at it's highest first thing in the morning, very normal. This (rather dry) video explains more -

My husband. It's hard to live alongside. It ruins holidays.

From your perspective, what help could a partner give to ease the process? I feel like I always get it wrong and make things worse.

"I couldn't sleep last night it was so weird as I was tired and on the edge off falling asleep but just couldn't, I've never had that before."

OP, this is classic extreme anxiety... defo intervene now before it becomes a pattern as it can be hard to break out of even when the stressor has passed.

Lavender oil on your pillow, no screens in room, read a book before bed,hot bath if you can

Absolutely! It's usually kept in check by my medication but there was a period last year where I'd switched antidepressant and the new tablet wasn't treating my anxiety at all- it was only when I burst into tears at the airport that I realised how bad it had become. To tackle the anxiety- besides medication- I have a few strategies. Before I set off I usually make sure I've got something to occupy my mind in the run-up, a craft project or a book to read, so I have a distraction from the anxiety loop. I practice my breathing exercises, and I have ginger pills in case the anxiety makes me nauseous- even if it doesn't, they're a good way to ground myself. I like to give myself some kind of quest to do while I'm travelling, something specific to get in duty free or even just a travel game like see how many red suitcases I can spot, because that distracts from the worst of it while I'm actually travelling. I also like to make contingency plans so if anything does go wrong I have a Plan B; though this isn't a good idea for everyone, as it can validate the anxiety and make it worse in some cases.

Good luck with travelling and I hope some of the responses here can help tackle the anxiety! It can be so tough, just remember to give yourself some grace in handling it

@LostittoBostik is it really ? I've never had that happen before I normally fall asleep pretty quickly. It was like I was stuck in this stage and I would toss and turn all sleepily but never actually fall asleep !

I even got up and had a Nytol and I still couldn't dose off !