Scared of going away

[anxietyfighter]

I have booked myself in for this dance weekend in March.  I really want to do it and at first I was really excited, but  then as it got closer and closer to booking it I started to get more and more anxious.  I don't know anyone else who is going and its 4 days 3 nights where I will be surrounded by other people (bunk beds in cabin style sleeping arrangements & dance classes every minute of the day until the big parties at night) .  I'm terrified I won't be able to keep a hold of my anxiety and will end up making myself sick and having to leave.  

I finally took the plunge and booked & paid for trip tonight and feel like I really need support to feel calm about it.  Trying my best to think only of the positive things about the trip...

[Alisonj29]

Go for it! Think of how happy you will be once you went and faced your fear. I think you will be too busy to even worry about anything. Do it for yourself!!!! Please let us know how it goes and I hope you have a wonderful time!

[cj29]

I commend you for confronting your anxiety.  Just don't get down if you do have a panic attack...if you do, so what?  Give yourself credit for having the courage to do what you are doing.  For me, I used to worry about the perceptions of other people, but decided to let it go (which can be very hard) because I reckon that the vast majority of people would not even know that I was having a panic attack.  Second, I did not want it to rule my life, which you are not doing (which is good) by going out and doing what you like despite your anxiousness about it.

Give yourself a pat on back!  And let us know how it goes!

[loveymom3]

This is your chance to gain your confidence back...you already took the first step by booking your trip. I won't lie....it will be scary and you will probably have the worst anxiety days before the trip...but once you get there...you will be fine. I feel that days leading up to an event or outing, give me the most anxiety. Do alot of self talking, tell yourself that you don't have to stay there...just go and try it out. I know this will sound silly...but I just did it yesterday for a baby shower that I had to go to and I started feeling the panic attack coming on...it WORKED. Tell the panic/anxiety that it will not ruin your weekend...but...it is invited to come along if it wishes. Talk to the panic and thank it for coming...recognize that it is trying to protect you and thank it for that...but you will not let it ruin your weekend...remind the panic that you are going to be safe and there is no need to bring the anxiety along. I know...I sound crazy....but it works! Good Luck!!

[mammo]

Good for you!  You are refusing to allow your anxiety to hold you back and this is a big step in gettiong better. Most of the people won't know anyone and will be anxious to meet others.  People in this type of situation are very open and friendly, you'll be having so much fun there won't be any room for anxiety!  You're doing right in staying focused on the positives of the trip, and not allowing your anxiety to make your decisions.  You're taking your power away from the anxiety!  Don't worry about the "what ifs," worse case scenario you may want to leave....so what? The important thing is that you try, and I honestly don't think you'll want to leave.  You were strong enough to book the trip, nothing will stop you now!  I think everyone gets a little nervous when attending something like this where they don't know anyone, and that's the worst part!  Once you get there it will be so much easier than the anticipation of going and you'll have a blast!
Try not to worry, you're going to do just fine.  It sounds like a lot of fun, and you will meet so many people, enjoy!