To be dreading this holiday?

[longhaulstress]

Booked to go long haul trip on Friday to stay with family. Dh booked as a surprise.
Over the last couple of years I've gotten worse with stressing over travelling I have ibs and panic when I can't easily access a toilet.

I'm dreading the drive down south (around 4 hours), dreading the early morning drive to the airport and then the flight itself especially as dh forgot to pre book our seats so we're all not sitting next to each other (3 kids between 4 and 12) not keen on flying then added in all this drone stuff that's been on the news this week.

I get so angry at myself as I'm not a stressed person and deal with a high pressure job fine but this travel worry is starting to take over any enjoyment or excitement of a trip and holidays have always been one of absolute favourite things to do.

Anyone had anything similar? Any tips? Aibu over worrying about it all?

I’m like this with every trip because of a similar issue, and for events which sound amazing but I worry there won’t be a toilet about etc- and people don’t realise how limiting it is. The 4 hour journey sounds the worst part as airports etc are usually well catered for, but can you see the route and what stops there are on the way? If whoever is driving is supportive that helps, as may need to leave a bit earlier. I would say go for it though, as each time you push yourself the slightly easier it becomes.

Can you get to/see a Dr before you go? They might be able to prescribe you diazepam to help with the worry/stress.

Is it too late to get some help with the stress? Can the gp prescribe something or could you try something like hypnotherapy if you prefer alternative therapies?

Longer term if stress is a trigger for your Ibs have you tried CBT?

I sympathise OP, I've had CBT to help with this but before I started the sessions my GP said it was fine to take Imodium to cope with stressful journeys like this. I know it doesn't agree with some people but if you're ok with it it might be worth a try. Also mine was a lot worse if I was worried about being late so we would always set out with lots of extra time built in.

Hope it all goes ok and you have a lovely holiday.

Thank you for the advice, I will definitely be packing Imodium.

Sounds silly but I never even thought about seeing the GP. Not sure if I will get an appointment before going but I will try in January as it's getting worse and am more nervous about smaller trips now too and places like the beauticians or my hairdressers who don't have official customer toilets.