To ask for anti anxiety tips?

[Sugartits87]

I'm currently abroad until next Thursday and am suffering terribly with anxiety. A lot of it i believe is down to the change in surroundings and routine but I haven't experienced it this badly for a while. I had a horrible experience in a taxi from the airport where I had a bad attack because I was desperate for the toilet and had no idea how long it would take to get to our hotel (I suffer from ibs and a lot of my anxiety often stems from being in new places and not knowing where a toilet is / I know that sounds barmy but if you've ever been caught short you'd understand the panic)

Since that I've been a bit of a nervous wreck. I don't take anything for my anxiety as generally it doesn't bother me on a day to day basis - just when my routine changes. I wonder if anyone has any tips to help calm myself down? I sometimes do breathing exercises which can help but not so much on this trip :(

Really don't want the holiday to be ruined.

Download the headspace app and try that.

Breathing exercises - www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/ways-relieve-stress/

If you feel stressed, think of 5 things you can see
4 things you can hear
3 things you can touch
2 things you can smell

Also see www.healthline.com/health/anxiety-exercises for more ideas

I suffer like this when travelling but I don’t let it stop me and it’s good you haven’t too! I just take a “fuck it” attitude. Anxiety should be called the “what if” illness because your brain will search furiously for reasons to be anxious (i.e. the toilet issue). This is what’s known as catastrophising. So let the thoughts come but recognise them as intrusive and not important. Don’t try to fight your anxiety, go with it, let it be there but get on with things as normal. HTH