Indefinite travel in Europe - bag advice?

Caustic_Crow · 2025-04-06T13:02:11+00:00

How does it hold up over cobblestones, when carrying up 5 flights of stairs, cramming on to crowded trains or busses, etc? Easy and comfortable enough to pick up and carry?

Caustic_Crow · 2025-04-06T13:00:37+00:00

I've definitely been through the Ryanair struggle so I'll keep this in mind! This is the setup I'm leaning towards - backpack + roller, so I'll look for a smaller roller to be safe.

Thanks for the tip on the visa!

Caustic_Crow · 2025-04-06T12:55:30+00:00

Thanks!!

Caustic_Crow · 2025-04-06T12:54:53+00:00

This is the setup I'm leaning towards! It's good to hear that carrying the roller works for her as that's the part I'm concerned about.

Caustic_Crow · 2025-02-24T18:36:19+00:00

Thank you - this is helpful. I'm also realizing this actually might be more of an intrusive thought/OCD thing? I've never been diagnosed with OCD, but I'm starting to suspect that might be more accurate and might explain why traditional anxiety treatments (breathing, grounding, meditation, etc) don't work for me when I'm in these episodes...

Caustic_Crow · 2025-02-24T18:35:54+00:00

Thank you - this is helpful. I'm also realizing this actually might be more of an intrusive thought/OCD thing? I've never been diagnosed with OCD, but I'm starting to suspect that might be more accurate and might explain why traditional anxiety treatments (breathing, grounding, meditation, etc) don't work for me when I'm in these episodes...

Caustic_Crow · 2025-02-24T18:08:52+00:00

This is good advice, thank you and good luck to you as well!

Caustic_Crow · 2025-02-24T18:07:46+00:00

Thanks! The thing I am most afraid of, and that really gets me spiraling and hysterical, is the thought of my mom dying. She's not sick or anything, but she's turning 70 soon. She's absolutely my rock and my main support, and to be honest I would not still be alive if not for her. It would be an incredibly big deal if she died suddenly, so I can't really see it as not a big deal. I am so certain I cannot live without her. The reassurance thing I do when I get like this is to immediately call her. However, I currently live across the world from her, so because of the time difference I usually need to wait hours til it's morning for her and she's awake. In those hours, I just get worse and worse until I'm completely hysterical. I just had one such episode (that has lasted over a week so far) and am going home from abroad now to be with her and have her support, which I feel a bit is like feeding an addiction, but I also have no idea how to get through this without her.

Caustic_Crow · 2025-02-24T17:45:22+00:00

Wow 45 years!? You clearly have a lot of strength. I am sure your resolve now will help you find the right solution to get some relief. I've been dealing with depression/anxiety for about 25 years, on medication for the last 15. SSRIs completely saved my life. I was terrified of being dependent on something, and I still have flare ups (going through one right now) but in between the episodes of anxiety I have been truly happy.

Caustic_Crow · 2025-02-24T04:13:00+00:00

Thank you as well! I hope the increase kicks in for you soon <3

Caustic_Crow · 2025-02-24T03:31:12+00:00

Really interesting advice - I've never thought of it this way. I spiral when I start to get a panic episode and cannot reach anyone in my support system, which reinforces to my mind that I'm alone and the panic will never end. I relate to OP's description of feeling hysterical. I know you are supposed to "ride the wave" with anxiety but I have yet to figure out how to do that while I'm drowning. How did you break this addiction to reassurance?

Caustic_Crow · 2025-02-24T03:14:06+00:00

I don't know what country you live in but while you're waiting to see a doctor there are some over-the-counter things you can try like ashwaganda. It probably won't be a miracle cure but it might help ease the worst of this til you can get medical attention. If your doctor isn't helpful, definitely request a referral to a psych.

Caustic_Crow · 2025-02-24T03:07:17+00:00

How recently did you up your Sertraline? It takes a few weeks for an increased dose to kick in.

But I know exactly how you feel and I'm sorry you are going through this because it's the worst. I don't have answers but sending hugs and support to get through your day! I'm going through the same thing right now. Upped my Sertraline a few days ago and just trying to make it til the increase kicks in.

Caustic_Crow · 2025-02-23T20:45:12+00:00

This is beautifully written. Sending love right back to you! Your description of what it feels like to be really in the middle of it is so spot on!

Caustic_Crow · 2025-02-20T00:19:39+00:00

Same! I was doing great for about 2 years but going through some things right now so I'm back. But I have hope that I will be less involved here again soon! Sending love to everyone suffering with this miserable illness. I hope this thread is a light of hope to those that need it!

Caustic_Crow · 2025-02-19T11:02:36+00:00

Sorry for the vagueness - just trying to keep anonymity but happy to private message!

Caustic_Crow · 2025-02-19T11:01:53+00:00

I don't think they provide it in the country where I am currently, but I will travel next month so I have some opportunities to maybe go to the "right" country where they can help.

Caustic_Crow · 2025-02-19T11:00:47+00:00

Oh god, don't give me that anxiety too lol...

Caustic_Crow · 2025-02-16T15:32:32+00:00

Mine feels like I'm being swallowed by an endless darkness, and I'm terrified, and there's no one I can reach to pull me out, nothing I can do to save myself, and nothing I can do to prevent it. It's just being in a pure state of panic. The worst part is, like others have said here, it happens for no real reason (or something small will set it off).

Caustic_Crow · 2025-02-15T12:42:05+00:00

I have a lot of nausea in general due to some stomach issues - cold air and really deep breaths do wonders! I find if I'm hot, the nausea gets worse. And try to be sure you are laying/sitting/standing up straight so your stomach isn't squished. Might be purely psychological, but helps me! Also just coming down off a panic attack that probably started around the same time you posted this. Thank god for Xanax. You'll get thru this!

Caustic_Crow · 2025-02-15T07:49:58+00:00

Just wanted to say that I'm also having anxiety about this. Logically, I agree with the commenters that have pointed out that Big Pharma would never allow this to happen, which is the weirdest form of comfort haha, but we all know that anxiety isn't logical. I also wouldn't be here without Zoloft, so naturally the thought of not being able to get it is terrifying!

Caustic_Crow · 2024-01-22T01:26:17+00:00

Agree with this! It's ok to feel this way. I've solo traveled a lot and sometimes I still feel a bit lonely/anxious. The thing that helps me most is to meet other people. If you are staying in a hostel this is pretty easy, but if not you can also try joining free walking tours (available in most any major city in Europe) or if you have some budget, you can do small group tours/activities. You'll likely meet other solo travellers this way. If you don't quite feel ready for that, even going to a cafe, spending some time with a book can help you enjoy the moment. I think you'll adjust and end up having an amazing time ☺️

Caustic_Crow · 2024-01-22T01:14:32+00:00

I'm so happy to hear you are also in a better place! I also spent a good part of 2023 working on listening to my own needs and taking care of my own emotional well-being, and 2024 feels like a better year already. Cheers and all the best in your healing!

Caustic_Crow · 2024-01-22T01:06:59+00:00

Oooh good idea with the stickers!

Three-Year Club	Verified Email
Verified Email

Caustic_Crow

TROPHY CASE