Worrying on holiday

[ByZippyDog]

We're on holiday - first full day here and I am struggling a bit. I have been worried about one of us getting ill here and it was consuming me before I left. My own physical health hasn't been good recently but is being monitored, and a few weeks ago I was awaiting results for a test (which came back clear) but I was beside myself beforehand that I would spoil the holiday for everyone if I was not fit to travel.

I bought DH a packaged sandwich from a local supermarket today. I didn't check date when I purchased it. He ate half, thought it tasted different to yesterday's sandwich and then saw it was 3 days out of date. I got overwhelmed and upset, and said to him that it would be my fault if he now gets ill and if the holiday is spoiled.

Last week and even on the plane yesterday, I thought that pains in my calves could be indicating blood clots.

Does anyone get like this? I hate myself and think I am spoiling the holiday for the kids. This is our first family holiday abroad and it is a big deal. The kids have wanted this for a long time.

Hi OP
Yes I am very similar with most holidays, worse when go abroad but also not great if a UK holiday too. Do you suffer from anxiety normally? I do and it is just an additional part of it, the feeling of being out of control and in another country etc and then the pressure of wanting to have the best time due to the cost. Not much advice as I go on holiday next week and have really struggled with panic and not sleeping, to the point of considering cancelling but realising the insurance wouldn’t pay out and the rest of the family would be devastated. I have no major suggestions tbh but you are not alone. Try and enjoy the moment, easier said than done I know! I sometimes think well once there at least I am counting down until it is over! Awful way to think but often it helps me. Try keeping distracted, going for a walk, chatting to people, reading a book etc. Best of luck and I hope the rest of the holiday goes well.

Thank you for your reply. I have been worrying a lot recently - my mind seems to go from worrying about one thing and then moving to the rest.

I think it is like what you wrote - the feeling of being out of control and in another country is really adding to it.

Thanks for the suggestions. Worrying still but I have been better since my original post.

Hope your holiday goes well.

I am worried about my dd when we are on holiday next week. She has always suffered from anxiety and holidays when she was little were always so stressful because she hated a different bed, being hot etc. She is now 18 and was really desperate to do an all inclusive holiday but with me and her dad and brother as she only feels safe with us but she is worrying about everything and I just wish that I had said no to the holiday because it has cost us a fortune. She has been reading up about crime statistics in the country we are going to and incidences of drink spiking and how many people drown in pools etc. I have no idea how to help her as I don't suffer with any mental health issues. My DH has basically told her to stop being so pathetic and grow up and she can stay home and we will take her brothers friend instead of her. Her thoughts are irrational but real to her and I don't know how to help her.

I always get anxious before I go away. I love travelling and experiencing new places but I hate the run-up! I always feel like I don't want to go. I get really stressed getting packed and ready, as well as the day we leave. I'm fine once I get to the airport.

I think you just have to work through it and concentrate on the here and the now.

@jazzyfazzy766 don't let your DH speak to her like that! She can't help how she feels and he's just going to make things much worse. Try to reassure her as much as you can. Tell her that only a minority of people encounter these issues. Drink spiking is relatively easy to manage - never leave your drink unattended. Make sure she has a secure crossbody bag to keep her things in and tell her to keep an arm over it, and just be aware in crowds. Can she swim? Tell her she isn't going to drown on your watch. Get her a little rechargeable fan - they're a godsend in the heat. Hopefully you will get to enjoy your holiday and it will increase her confidence having done it x