14 night holiday on cruise ship coming up- terrified

[cutecat25]

Im going with my grandparents, cousins& sister who do not understand, or care about my anxiety.
I dont know how im going to cope.
The 1.5hr plane ride to the ship, the 14days on board..
I have severe panic & derealisation & i am just hoping for some tips to get through this..

[kconnors]

Hi,

This does sound like a love/hate event . . . it sounds fantastic but the anxiety is oozing through even a short posting like yours. Why would you go on this cruise if you are feeling so anxious except for the opportunity? And why go with people who do not understand the role that your anxiety plays for you? And why a 14 day cruise? Could you not test out the waters (no pun intended) with a 3-day cruise before trying for a 14-day one?

But, let's assume you go . . . .this site as you know is full of management tips and tricks but this one I got from asking a neighbour who does have anxiety but who loves cruises (at least one if not two per year). She calls the cruise line and asks to talk to someone who is in charge of the medical services on board the specific cruise ship. She explains her situation and usually they ask her to fax them a list of her medications (prescribed, herbal, and over the counter) as well as any strategies that she might find useful for them to use. For example, on her first cruise alone, one of her triggers was what she now calls the Titanic event . . . even though the cruise was to the Bahamas, I guess she was concerned about hitting an iceberg (we still chuckle on this one). The cruise line made sure that one of the staff met with her at the beginning and explained safety procedures, etc. and they put some type of flag on her door so that should there be an emergency crew members would know that this person had special needs. She has traveled on several different cruise lines and all of them have been more than accommodating . . . because she does so many cruises, she is familiar with the procedures, etc. so she has little need to do that now. So, you may want to consider contacting the cruise line to let them know especially given that you are traveling with people who, for whatever reason, are not sensitive to your needs.

I know that some folks would recommend seeing your doctor for meds and that might be a possibility, but I am still left with the lingering issue of why you would put yourself in such a position when you feel so uncomfortable. If you do go, I sincerely hope that you enjoy the cruise and that you can overcome being with family members who seem unconcerned about your needs . . . in any event, take care of yourself. . . .KC

[KowgurrlKK]

My husband and I went on a cruise for our honeymoon... I had had severe anxiety, DP & DR for the 3 months leading up to it. I had all kinds of crazy thoughts beforehand, and let me just tell you--the first day or so I worried, but after that I REALLY enjoyed myself, and when I returned home after 6 days, I was DP/DR free for several months (my DP/DR is episodic), I think it was just what I needed, to get away from all the stressed of life. Just let yourself have a good time, RELAX (as much as possible!! I know easier said than done, right!) Really though... try your hardest to enjoy your time--it may be just what you need!

[cutecat25]

Thankyou to both of you!
KC i have no choice, I didnt really put myself in this position.
They booked it in February right before my anxiety increased to dr/dp & panic.
Im glad kowgurrl that you could have a great time i truly hope i am as lucky!
Kc i have benzos so hopefully that will help.. Xx

[LindaRK]

Hubby and I did a cruise to St. Thomas for our honeymoon 35 years ago.  I had major anxiety back then.

I will say that once I got on board and settled in, there was so much going on, I didn't have time to focus on my anxiety and did quite well and even enjoyed it!  I think you will have the same experience.

I hope you have a fabulous time!  If you need to take something for the plane flight or first day, there is nothing wrong with that.

[konwayeast]

Have any of you guys ever tried any basic interoceptive exposure exercises for depersonalization/derealization? I read somewhere that it can be particularly effective for this aspect of anxiety...
Can you think of anything you are looking forward to on your trip? I could go for a 14-night vacation right about now...too bad we can't trade places:)
Also, just read this recently, the only thing that a panic attack leads to is a panic attack ending!

[cutecat25]

Thnx kanye & Lin!
Is it legal to take precribed benzos with me onboard?

[LindaRK]

As long as you have your prescription medication in the vial or container with prescription information that it came in, you're okay.

[MerlinwithanM]

As someone who has travel anxiety rather badly, I can say that I found that I overwhelmingly LIKED cruises simply because you are in a safe and controlled environment with plenty of professionals on board; not much can actually go wrong and even then we are talking about minor inconveniences. Something that helped me: people-watching those who are enjoying themselves, and on cruises there is plenty of those sort at all hours of the day. Order free room service in the middle of the night just to see a smiling face.

[howifeel]

I have bad anxiety about traveling. I plan on trying to fly again. It's a big step. My sister has it worse than me, and she took a 5 hour flight. She said that she adjusted to it surprisingly well. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

[cutecat25]

Truly appreciate all the answers. I'm going to do my best to get through But. i don't know how, but all i can do is try, right? 

[howifeel]

Don't beat yourself up if you don't. Be easy on yourself. You're not a failure. I have backed out before. Felt I let everyone down. My wife was very angry, but it all worked out. We laugh about it today.

[cutecat25]

Hi everyone. Well I made it. It was really rough with my anxiety and panic, & the whole experience feels totally unreal. But it's such a huge achievement.
Happy New Year to you all

[AnxietyJoe]

What problems you the rich could be having? We all know 14 day cruises aren't cheap no matter which part of the world all that money floating around and yet anxiety n depression from being so bored. I call it the RPD. "Rich People Disorder"

[cutecat25]

What do you mean? My grandparents payed for it, & cruises are actually cheaper than most land holidays.

[AnxietyJoe]

Cruises that sail from here in the United States  are actually cheapest in the world compare to Aussie land besides your summer is our winter

[cutecat25]

Okay, but may i ask what this has to do with my question?