I will be away from my house and I am worried about panic attacks

Hi. It’s Jenny at AnxietyBoss.com. Our question today is from Cassandra in Rhode Island. In about 10 days, I will have to go and live somewhere far from my house and I am worried about having panic attacks thinking about living in a new place.

Most anxiety can be traced to our perspective and point of view. If we look at a situation and dread it, thinking only of bad outcomes and contemplate what can go wrong, we can work ourselves into a state of panic. This is called catastrophizing when we look at a situation and only think of the worse outcomes. Here are some ways to manage anxiety about relocating.

Number one – A way to control anxiety is to challenge the rationality of your beliefs. What do you fear exactly? Share your fears with others and talk to people that you trust. Get a check in as to whether or not your fears are realistic. Identify your fears. Are you afraid of crime? Then look at the crime statistics and where the high versus low crime areas of the city are.

Number two – Look at the situation from a different perspective. This is called reframing. That is great that you get to relocate, see new places and meet new people. Look at it like the adventure that it is. Moving to a new city is a great experience. It’s an opportunity to give your life a reset.

Number three – Much anxiety can be generated from contemplating the unknown, and so get a map of the place you’re moving to. Learn the layout of the city and the history. What do you like to do? Where are the historical sites, museums, restaurants, places for live music, places to fish or play golf? Find things you can look forward to trying once you get there, and start making a list of all the fun things that you can’t wait to do.

And finally, if your anxiety is still so persistent and distressing that it’s preventing you from reaching your goals and it’s making you unhappy, then you should see a professional.