Slowly, but surely, international air travel has started to take on a sense of normalcy after the disruptions brought by the pandemic. More and more destinations are starting to open themselves up to foreign travelers, much to the delight of those who were used to traveling regularly as a mental break from the grind of day-to-day life.
But while travel is generally good for one’s mental health, it can also present some pitfalls and challenges to the unprepared. Even when it’s planned well, a lot can happen on a trip that could take a toll on your mental health. Additionally, people with ongoing mental health issues may want to take extra steps before they travel to ensure their trip is as enjoyable and trouble-free as possible.
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1.) Understand Travel Anxiety
A significant minority of people experience some kind of travel-related anxiety. If you’ve experienced such things as racing thoughts, overthinking, irritability, serious sleep issues, or feelings of dread before or during a trip, chances are you have some kind of travel anxiety. Thankfully, a qualified mental health professional should be able to help you come up with coping strategies to tackle temporary anxiety caused by travel.
Whatever the specific cause of one’s travel anxiety, it’s important to understand specific stressors before embarking on a long trip. Some individuals may get stressed out when using certain modes of travel like airplanes or buses, while others have difficulty planning their trips or traveling with certain people. Others may even experience severe shock when experiencing cultures alien to their own. Be sure to discuss these stressors with your counselor or psychiatrist before traveling.
2.) Look At Teletherapy Options Before You Go
If you have a serious ongoing mental health issue, it’s important to have someone with whom you can discuss things constructively. Traveling, particularly for long periods, can make it difficult for you to see your regular therapist or counselor.
Thankfully, the world is more connected than it has ever been. Wherever you go, chances are there are at least a couple of places with broadband internet that you could go to communicate with your therapist. Make sure to explore your options for teletherapy and internet connectivity before you go, as you don’t want to have to research them in the middle of an emergency.
3.) Learn Which Medications Are Allowed at Your Destination
Millions of Americans today are prescribed medications that are restricted or illegal in other states or countries. Medical cannabis products, for instance, are restricted in some US States, including here in Texas. Different sedatives and psychotropics used for controlling mental health conditions may also be banned or otherwise regulated in some countries.
If you’re traveling internationally, you could call or email the embassies or consulates of the countries you’re visiting to see if any of your prescribed medications are regulated or require some kind of permit. You may check the International Narcotics Board website to check if your medications are currently regulated at your destination countries. If your medications are banned, you can see your psychiatrist before your trip about an alternative intervention for your mental health condition.
4.) Have a Plan in Place for a Mental Health Emergency
If you’re prone to regular mental health emergencies, you may want to think about how you would plan to cope with these. If you’re traveling to a country where your preferred language is not widely spoken, you may want to research ahead of time for local mental health professionals with whom you can communicate. You may also want to learn some local phrases that will help you get medical attention, should the need arise.
5.) Choose Travel Insurance That Covers Mental Health
As the importance of mental health gains recognition throughout the world, a growing number of travel and expat insurance companies are now offering insurance plans that cover mental health emergencies as well as ongoing conditions. Make sure that any plan you choose will give you coverage in your intended destinations.
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