Camping with PTSD

The more camping you do, the more your RV will become a home away from home and you will be more and more comfortable.
So enjoy!

X2

I don't have PTSD, but since medications seem to be an issue to you, I would advise you to do research before you choose a campsite and be sure that emergency services are close by and readily available. Also be sure that you have at least an extra weeks supply of meds along on the trip. Stuff happens and you don't need the extra frustration of not having enough meds along to handle an unexpected delay.

My adult daughter suffers from PTSD and anxiety from a severe car accident.
I'm sorry you have to live with something that so many people don't understand.
my only question, because you worry about it happening before you go, do you think that triggers a greater possibility of it happening? I know my daughter completely obsesses with things that it triggers a horrible anxiety attack. She is trying to learn not to obsess but it definitely is easier said then done.
I hope you can find answers to help!!!!

I also suffer from illness-related PTSD. Water-Bug has given you some good advise. Knowing that you have the support services/meds close by can be very reassuring. And what Scott and and Gotsmart is very true. Once you spend a lot of time in the RV it does become a home away from home. Sometimes just facing the demons head on is the best medicine.

Have you determined what your triggers are? I know that isn't always possible, but with the help of a therapist you might be able to and do your best to avoid them. If they just "happen", there are other techniques you can try to calm yourself down that don't employ meds. Mediation, concentrated breathing and distraction are a few. It's taken a lot of hard work, but I'm now at the point that when I feel an attack coming on, I do concentrated breathing and can beat the attack (about 95% of the time now). Check with your primary care doc and see if there's a PTSD specialist/therapist that you can work with to help you get through.

I agree on the meds. Know the area you are in and where the nearest hospital/clinic is ahead of time. Perhaps have some system of easy identification of your campsite if medical help is looking for you.

I would also say that in my experience you will be participating in an activity that has a lot of good like minded people. Say hi to people, some will talk to you some wont. Everyone is different.

If you dont want to wave and talk, turn your lawn chair way from the area people are walking by. Make plans to cook your favorite stuff, bird watch, whittle a walking stick, bring a book, go hiking, read the information board to see what the area is known for. Good luck to you.

The above advice is great. I'd add, start "camping" in your RV/tent in the driveway at home. Do that for several months before true camping season begins (if your weather lets you) so that you have had time to adjust to the new lodgings before you start taking it to new places. Getting used to the normal movements, sounds, etc. that occur before you encounter them in a strange place can reduce potential anxiety.

With the potential of emergency room visits, I would suggest not getting an MH. With an MH, you would have to basically take apart camp in order to leave for the ER. A tent or TT would allow you to just hop in the vehicle and get to the emergency room - leaving the camp set up for your return.

Knowing your triggers can give you a better idea on what your tools will be. For example, if feeling vulnerable is a trigger, a tent or tent trailer or hybrid might increase that feeling, whereas a hard-sided RV could help minimize them. Whereas, if feeling boxed in is a trigger, then the hard-sided RV could be a worse choice.

Start close to home. Find the closest campgrounds and spend your first season at those getting used to the whole thing. This will allow you to easily "jump ship" and go home if it's too much. Keep your campsite simplistic. Don't have tons of things set out all over the campsite. Everything that is out will have to be put away before you can go home. Make it easy to call it quits - you'll do more damage to yourself and your family by making it difficult to pack up quickly and go.

I have met and camped with people that have had issues and the thing that seemed to work for them, was telling those that are closest to them about the concerns. That way, if things go side-ways, then someone has a handle on what is happening and can play a vital role in keeping everyone else in check.

You may not be comfortable in sharing the info, and I wouldn't suggest you say anything to anyone if you are. It was just my experience, is all.


Gary Haupt

Maybe spend a few nights here and there in your RV in your driveway just to get used to it. Don't know if that would help but it's a thought.

Thank you for sharing your story and reaching out.

I'm hoping the above suggestions result in a relaxing, positive, and memorable experience for you and your family!