For Those Who Endure

BizzzyBozzzy

As I sit in my apartment and anxiously await my 1am flight tonight to Europe, I think about all the people like me who may be dealing with anxiety, fear, sadness, and loneliness for various reasons. I love being with my Pearl Jam family, but I also deal with a large amount of anxiety when traveling, especially to places I haven't been before. The mixed feelings of excitement, anxiety, joy, and fear of the unknown are especially confusing and difficult to push through. But I do, and we do.

For those of you also working through those feelings whether during this European leg or the upcoming US leg, just know that you're not alone and that your feelings are perfectly natural.

For those of you who are working through any other hardship or trauma in your life more serious than anxiety and fear, also know that we're always here for you. You are not alone.

See you in Prague, Krakow, and Berlin. Rock on, love you all (well, most of you anyway) 

curmudgeoness

Me too. I'm so anxious about the trip that I'm having trouble packing. Part of that is due to our sad story of being turned away at passport control in Munich and missing the 2014 shows. Part of it I just come by naturally.

I (and my husband) keep telling myself that I will have a great time once I get there. I just wish someone would build a teleporter a la Star Trek. :-(

Heading to Prague, Krakow and Berlin, too. I keep telling my son not to let his anxiety get the best of him -- I need to remind myself of that, too.

Onward.

BizzzyBozzzy

Thanks for sharing. I agree, we'll be fine once we get there!

It's important to acknowledge that we know we'll be fine and that this is normal for us. It helps minimize the impact and the power of it. I used to be so anxious that I'd cancel plans to feel the relief. But the regret was always worse. Now I just acknowledge my anxiousness and let it flow through me, and don't fight it. And it'll just be a passenger with me.

lastexitlondon

I'm glad you have spoken out. I'm now in big danger of missing my trip  to Krakow
 I just can't do it. I suffered  so badly even in my home town. 
I'm just so ill at the  moment it's like I'm in a weird nightmare that never ends

lastexitlondon

I wasn't fine at all so I think this is something else . That's what it does 

lastexitlondon

I have an anxiety thread on the all encompassing trip page.

bootlegger10

That is awesome that you just find the strength to power through it and go.

SpinTheLastExit

I get it travelling alone and there's a lot of it this tour. We'll get through it.

BizzzyBozzzy

lastexitlondon said:

I'm glad you have spoken out. I'm now in big danger of missing my trip  to Krakow
 I just can't do it. I suffered  so badly even in my home town. 
I'm just so ill at the  moment it's like I'm in a weird nightmare that never ends

I'll be in Krakow after a train/bus on 7/2 and 7/3 before the show if you want to meet up with some friendly people experiencing similar things. If you follow your heart and not your fear then you'll be fine. And if it's something else, just ask yourself where you'll be the most healthy. And what the next small step is to help yourself get better. Whether it's asking for help, talking to a stranger or someone close to you, or doing something on your own.

I made it to Paris and spent the afternoon and night walking around. Flight to Prague in the morning! I hope to see you all soon. If you want my FB Messenger info or my WhatsApp #, PM me.

belfast1

What tips do you have for reducing your anxiety? Personally I’m always super chilled but my wife always frets and worries about travelling...