It seems like mental health and travel is a topic that interests a lot of you. My stats tell me that various configurations of the phrase ‘depressed while traveling’ been used dozens of times to reach Sweet and Savoring. When I try to look at it out of context, depression while traveling seems like such an odd thing to write about. But it’s my story, right? And as it turns out, a lot of people travel despite their depression, or get depressed while they’re on the road, or just feel lonely when disconnected from their loved ones. And that’s completely fine!
I’m here to tell you guys that it’s all okay. Whatever you’re feeling, whether you’re on a long-term journey or just spending a night away from home, is absolutely normal. If you’re sad when you’re in the mountains of Tuscany, it’s not the end of the world. If you’re feeling completely lost at a friend-of-a-friend’s home in the suburbs of Berlin, that feeling will pass. If your seasonal affective disorder is kicking your butt despite constant beach time in Costa Rica, happier times are on the way.
The way I see it, I’d rather be depressed and traveling than not traveling. Does that make sense? Of course home is a comfortable, safe place, but travel inspires me more than anything else. I take in the different architecture and natural beauty of wherever I am, I people-watch, I enjoy new-to-me foods, and most importantly, I remind myself how lucky I am to be able to travel.
If those links above weren’t enough for you, here are my top three mental health travel-related posts:
How to Reduce Your Stress Level at the Airport: because most of us are pretty stressed when we need to catch a flight. I hope these tips come in handy the next time you’re at the airport!
Anxiety at the Airport: One of most unpleasant flight connections ever. Racing through the terminal, pounding heart, thoughts going a million miles a second. Ugh.
Being Depressed While Traveling: A sort of how-to guide to those times when you find yourself not feeling as positive as you feel you ‘should’ be while traveling.
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This post is part of the Blogging from A to Z April Challenge. I’m publishing a piece for each letter of the alphabet during April and only taking Sundays off! Today is M for mental health. Thank you for following along!
Anxiety is my beast, but it doesn’t travel. I think the root of it is very home-linked. However, I’ve only had depression once in my life – for about a week when I was 16. It was short-lived but HEINOUS. I really saw through to that beast. And I was traveling when it happened. Holy cow was that hard. It’s why I love Toronto so much. I had such a spiritual experience there, that I now recognize was my own mental health kicking in and kicking butt.
I still need to get to Toronto! The annoying thing about my anxiety (besides it’s existence?) is that it comes with me everywhere, and doesn’t care if I’m home or traveling or what. Sheesh. I’m glad that at least your depressive episode was short-lived!
It’s good that you don’t allow your depression to prevent you from travelling, it shouldn’t. It may actually help with recovery. I have more anxiety but I’m mindful of it and as long as I prepare well enough beforehand, It eases a lot of it. Hopefully those links helps some people! 🙂 Have a great weekend and safe travels Christy! -Iva
AwesomelyOZ recently posted…Tylenol (Acetaminophen), A Chill Pill That’s Over The Counter?
Thanks, Iva! May help with recovery? I’ll take it! 🙂 You make a good point about preparing for it well beforehand- I need to work on that part more. Hope your weekend was a good one!
Burying your feelings will just cause them to resurface and probably even harsher than they were before they were buried. In fact working through the issues will help the positive thinking surface and will be even more effective and blissful. I want to be like you, a wanderlust, a traveler who’s strong enough to handle mental health. Then here’s me, depends myself on meds like ashwagandha supplement to relieve some stress. I’m impressed.