Anxiety - 8th Gr. Trip to D.C.?

Question

Ok - I need some serious help. Ever since a few weeks ago, I have been feeling INTENSE anxiety about a trip to Washington D.C.. I've been putting it off but now the trip is next week and every time I think about it I feel like I'm going to freak out (have an anxiety attack.) My anxiety usually accompanies an upset stomach but never actual vomit. It dissepates sometimes and sometimes it just stays.

My anxiety about this trip is at its worst when I'm on a bus, so my parents are driving me down. We have a bike trip once we get there and I think that might be something I'm worrying about (having an upset stomach while on the bike, etc.)

Whenever I go on a bus (for school), I feel extremely nashaus and then I listen to some music and start tapping my leg and I feel a little better - but I can't do this on a bike!

PLEASE HELP ME A.S.A.P - I'M DESPERATE!

Answer 1

I am really sorry to hear that!!! I also have terrible nausea with my anxiety. Nausea is definitively a symptom of anxiety but (for me) the nausea was also caused by a stomach problem called Gastrointestinal Reflux and Irritable Bowel which made the stomach upset unbearable. However, you might not have it. Just putting it out there.

Try to really focus on why you are worried about the trip. What are your thoughts about it? It looks like it is "I am going to have an upset stomach on the bike." In psychology, this is called an "automatic thought." They are normal and can be false, true, partly true, good, bad, worrisome, etc... Since this thought is making you feel bad...let's try to work through it. Why do you think you will get a stomach upset on the bike? Have you ever gotten one before while you were riding? If yes, did you get through those previous situations? You're here right now so I am guessing you conquered them. Also, when you are on a bike and concentrating on riding, you will not be focusing your thoughts on the anxiety and worry. Thus, when you do the trip, you will be feeling less nausea! I hope this helps! Usually the pre-anticipatory anxiety is worse than the actual event. If possible, try to conquer your thoughts by seeing if, in reality, they are valid. Good luck!