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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 11 of 11. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by llurpsienoodle on December 13, 2007, at 18:52:24
To tell you the truth, I am not looking forward to my upcoming vacation. I don't want to think about it. I don't want to put in any effort. The last few times I flew I had panic attacks/dissociation at the airport.
I am lucky. h will be there to help me negotiate things like getting to the airport and his sister has told us how to get through the customs. I'm going to 4 different places in Asia.
This is the 5th time I've been to Asia, so there will be some stuff I'm expecting and other things that will be a complete surprise. I was hoping that talking about my fears with T would help. Until I realized that I didn't have any specific fears, just this general sense of grave unease. T said that it was natural, that I'm going to a strange culture and that I will only understand bits and pieces of the language being spoken around me. The whole thing is so surreal, I'm worried about dissociating my way through the vacation and being victimized.
I'm rambling. I just don't know where to start with these feelings. sorry
and there is a winter storm tonight in the northeast. what a mess! even the cat doesn't wanna go outside.
-Ll
Posted by fallsfall on December 13, 2007, at 20:48:30
In reply to unprepared for culture shock, posted by llurpsienoodle on December 13, 2007, at 18:52:24
Some people love to travel. I don't. I think it is that I don't like to feel out of control, and if I don't know how things work or where things are, I don't have control.
But you've been there before, and you survived. Did you have a good time before? If you did, then why would this time be different? If you didn't, do you think that you learned something in the previous times that could help you this time?
I think everyone has some anticipation before a trip like that. Just some people like the anticipation and some don't!
Posted by Phillipa on December 14, 2007, at 0:07:59
In reply to Re: unprepared for culture shock » llurpsienoodle, posted by fallsfall on December 13, 2007, at 20:48:30
Used to love to travel been all over Europe, carribean, bermuda, mexico, puerto rico, Jamaica. Now I'd be afraid too. Extra meds for the flight and language makes it hard. Phillipa
Posted by ClearSkies on December 14, 2007, at 9:48:08
In reply to unprepared for culture shock, posted by llurpsienoodle on December 13, 2007, at 18:52:24
I've had several traumatic incidents at airports, so I fully empathize with your unease. Perhaps if you plan to premedicate with a small dose of Klonapin, you'll at least get on board smoothly, but still be able to function. I find that if I take .25mg of Xanax a half hour before I plan to arrive at the airport, then things go much more smoothly, even if they don't go smoothly, if you know what I mean.
It's hard to plan for every eventuality and still leave yourself open to the adventure of travel. Can you place your trust in H that he'll be able to navigate your collective way through the unfamiliar territory?
And make sure you bring along something solid and comforting that will help ground you if you're feeling frazzled. I always carry an aromatherapy "pen" of lavender essential oil and pass it under my nose if I'm starting to panic. At the very least if helps to mask outside unpleasant smells. So I can look out at perfect awfulness and be experiencing delight and peace.
CS
Posted by llurpsienoodle on December 14, 2007, at 21:23:01
In reply to Re: unprepared for culture shock » llurpsienoodle, posted by fallsfall on December 13, 2007, at 20:48:30
I'm gonna bring some things to remind me of home. my teddy bear, some photos I'll put on my ipod. my relaxation recordings and meditation podcasts.
That stuff should help.
I will also bring my knitting. I'm working on a lightweight rayon tank top. maybe if I finish it I can wear it on my trip. hmmm.
lavender oil sounds so lovely CS. I bet I can bring some too.
I already started packing.
I had a convo with h. he says that he'll try to make the trip as easy for me as possible. First I had to argue with him though :( I got him to agree to the following concessions-- frequent refreshment breaks throughout the day, and afternoon siesta if I start feeling overwhelmed.
you betcha I'll be taking my klonopin on flight day. It will help me sleep on the plane too.
leaving monday- if you guys have any other ideas, lemme know.
-Ll
Posted by muffled on December 17, 2007, at 22:07:10
In reply to Re: unprepared for culture shock » fallsfall, posted by llurpsienoodle on December 14, 2007, at 21:23:01
Posted by llurpsienoodle on December 21, 2007, at 18:31:15
In reply to unprepared for culture shock, posted by llurpsienoodle on December 13, 2007, at 18:52:24
Hi people,
I am in Asia right now on a hotel computer. So far everything is going well. except for jet lag. h has been helping me get around and stuff. taxis are nice too ((((((taxis))))))wishing you all happy holidays and frohe Weihnachten etc etc
-Llnoodle
Posted by Phillipa on December 21, 2007, at 19:24:47
In reply to greetings from Asia, posted by llurpsienoodle on December 21, 2007, at 18:31:15
Well have a good time and good the H is helping you. Feeling well so far? Sounds that way. Phillipa
Posted by Dinah on December 21, 2007, at 22:49:04
In reply to greetings from Asia, posted by llurpsienoodle on December 21, 2007, at 18:31:15
I hope you have very happy holidays there! It's good to hear from you.
Posted by jammerlich on December 22, 2007, at 0:38:41
In reply to greetings from Asia, posted by llurpsienoodle on December 21, 2007, at 18:31:15
So glad things are going well AND that you were able to pop in for a moment.
Hugs to you!!
(((Dr. Noodle)))
Jammer
Posted by muffled on December 22, 2007, at 11:17:03
In reply to Re: greetings from Asia » llurpsienoodle, posted by jammerlich on December 22, 2007, at 0:38:41
This is the end of the thread.
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