Depressed before travel
Nov 4, 2015, 10:37 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: DFW
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 294
Depressed before travel
I'm hoping to hear it's not just me....
I get so depressed and sad before traveling, business or personal, that I spend the week before trying to find ways to get out of it. I can't ever find a valid reason not to go, of course.
Once I board my first flight, I'm fine, but before that? I hate the packing, the drive to the airport, dealing with security, sitting at the airport. I just want to be home.
I don't even travel that much either. So what gives?
I get so depressed and sad before traveling, business or personal, that I spend the week before trying to find ways to get out of it. I can't ever find a valid reason not to go, of course.
Once I board my first flight, I'm fine, but before that? I hate the packing, the drive to the airport, dealing with security, sitting at the airport. I just want to be home.
I don't even travel that much either. So what gives?
Nov 4, 2015, 11:34 am
#4
Formerly known as vgandhi
Join Date: May 2011
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Posts: 623
Depressed before travel
I get depressed when I board my return flight home. Thinking about same old routine!!!!
Nov 4, 2015, 12:15 pm
#6
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Nov 4, 2015, 12:25 pm
#7
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 82
Back in the old days, I loved to fly and looked forward to all of it.
Now, while I don't try to get out of it, there is a loss of control over so much of the travel to and from, that it is something I vow to get through rather than something to look forward to. I can imagine that for some, it is pretty depressing.
What works for me is to try to hang on to some of the adventure of it all, despite the hours of mundane. Seeing the faces of people who don't travel going overseas for the first time, or the excitement novices have with a domestic flight helps capture it.
I don't think it is unusual and recommend that you find your fun amidst what is now realistically a chore. It can be done!
Now, while I don't try to get out of it, there is a loss of control over so much of the travel to and from, that it is something I vow to get through rather than something to look forward to. I can imagine that for some, it is pretty depressing.
What works for me is to try to hang on to some of the adventure of it all, despite the hours of mundane. Seeing the faces of people who don't travel going overseas for the first time, or the excitement novices have with a domestic flight helps capture it.
I don't think it is unusual and recommend that you find your fun amidst what is now realistically a chore. It can be done!
Nov 4, 2015, 12:26 pm
#9
Join Date: Jul 2005
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Posts: 1,368
I am usually happy to travel and am also usually happy to get home. Not depressed in either locale. But, when my kids were younger, I did sometimes regret going away. And, very occasionally, when I have way too much traveling (arrive Friday late from Europe and leave Saturday afternoon for next trip), I do feel a bit sad. But my work is sufficiently interesting that this goes away quickly.
So, for the OP, I would suggest thinking about two things:
1. Consider whether you should have a job that involves travel or whether you would be happier with a job that keeps you at home.
2. Consider cognitive behavioral therapy to help adjust your attitude/approach and eliminate the depression.
So, for the OP, I would suggest thinking about two things:
1. Consider whether you should have a job that involves travel or whether you would be happier with a job that keeps you at home.
2. Consider cognitive behavioral therapy to help adjust your attitude/approach and eliminate the depression.
Nov 4, 2015, 12:38 pm
#11
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So, for the OP, I would suggest thinking about two things:
1. Consider whether you should have a job that involves travel or whether you would be happier with a job that keeps you at home.
2. Consider cognitive behavioral therapy to help adjust your attitude/approach and eliminate the depression.
1. Consider whether you should have a job that involves travel or whether you would be happier with a job that keeps you at home.
2. Consider cognitive behavioral therapy to help adjust your attitude/approach and eliminate the depression.
Nov 4, 2015, 12:42 pm
#12
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Nov 4, 2015, 12:48 pm
#13
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: SMF
Posts: 1,251
Its definitely not just you, my SO is much the same way. As much as I don't like the whole airport experience (I don't know anybody who does), I tend to see it as a challenge and I enjoy trying to find ways to make it easier. For her, on the other hand, its nothing more than an annoyance.
Like you, she's perfectly fine and happy once we're at our destination, but it causes much more anxiety for her than for me.
While people tend to glamorize travel, there's nothing wrong being content just sticking with what you're comfortable with.
Like you, she's perfectly fine and happy once we're at our destination, but it causes much more anxiety for her than for me.
While people tend to glamorize travel, there's nothing wrong being content just sticking with what you're comfortable with.
Nov 4, 2015, 5:40 pm
#14
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2006
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I'm hoping to hear it's not just me....
I get so depressed and sad before traveling, business or personal, that I spend the week before trying to find ways to get out of it. I can't ever find a valid reason not to go, of course.
Once I board my first flight, I'm fine, but before that? I hate the packing, the drive to the airport, dealing with security, sitting at the airport. I just want to be home.
I don't even travel that much either. So what gives?
I get so depressed and sad before traveling, business or personal, that I spend the week before trying to find ways to get out of it. I can't ever find a valid reason not to go, of course.
Once I board my first flight, I'm fine, but before that? I hate the packing, the drive to the airport, dealing with security, sitting at the airport. I just want to be home.
I don't even travel that much either. So what gives?
Most of my travel includes long stays (1-3 months) at a destination. So when I leave it's almost like leaving home.
Nov 5, 2015, 1:27 am
#15
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: TLV
Programs: UA Platinum, Avis Chairman, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold, GA Pilot
Posts: 3,225
Its definitely not just you, my SO is much the same way. As much as I don't like the whole airport experience (I don't know anybody who does), I tend to see it as a challenge and I enjoy trying to find ways to make it easier. For her, on the other hand, its nothing more than an annoyance.
Like you, she's perfectly fine and happy once we're at our destination, but it causes much more anxiety for her than for me.
While people tend to glamorize travel, there's nothing wrong being content just sticking with what you're comfortable with.
Like you, she's perfectly fine and happy once we're at our destination, but it causes much more anxiety for her than for me.
While people tend to glamorize travel, there's nothing wrong being content just sticking with what you're comfortable with.
