<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; There are many who see traveling as one of the best things that you can do when it comes to emphasizing mental health.&nbsp; This is certainly the case for many, but it can also be a potential trigger for those with mental health conditions and disorders.&nbsp; Understanding the connection between one and the other is helpful in making sure that it stays as positive as possible when the time comes to pack the bags.</p> <p><strong>The positives of mental health and travel</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>Promotes relaxation and mental clarity:</strong> Being away from normal, everyday life and its stresses, can help promote clarity and relaxation that just is not possible in normal living situations.&nbsp; It is a true break from daily life that can have positive impacts on mental health, as noted in studies on the subject.</li> </ul> <ul> <li><strong>Can stretch mental health comfort zones for travelers:</strong> For those that find travel a little challenging, especially those who suffer from anxiety, it can be helpful to see that trying something new is not necessarily a bad thing.&nbsp; When done properly, travel cna help stretch boundaries and expand comfort zones for those with many mental health conditions.</li> </ul> <ul> <li><strong>A &ldquo;change of scenery: can be positive:</strong> A different view out your window or different smells and sounds can simply reboot your mind and help you to see things differently.&nbsp; It is good to have a change every once in a while, especially if it is to a place you enjoy being (such as the beach).</li> </ul> <p><strong>The potential negatives of mental health and travel</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>Can provoke anxiety, depression, etc.: </strong>Those who suffer from anxiety, OCD, depression, etc., may find that a large change like traveling can actually provoke flares of any, and all conditions.&nbsp; It may be harder to find calm and positivity when you are abroad because your normal routines are missing.</li> </ul> <ul> <li><strong>Can be isolating from support systems:</strong> Travelling near or far pulls you apart and away from your support systems.&nbsp; From counselling to family, to pets, it can be challenging for those who struggle daily with mental health.&nbsp; Many find it comforting to know they have insurance and coverage if they feel the need to consult with someone while abroad.</li> </ul> <ul> <li><strong>Can add pressure to &ldquo;have fun&rdquo;:</strong> Simple, perhaps, but very relevant.&nbsp; The whole intent of travelling and vacationing is to have fun and relax.&nbsp; For some, though, travel is a huge cause of mental distress, and it is something that they strongly dislike.&nbsp; For those who do travel, it could be a mental health exercise, rather than a getaway.&nbsp; Adding pressure for them to have fun can make a hard task much harder.</li> </ul> <p><strong>The verdict</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; While travel is often regarded as a care-free experience, this is not the case for everyone.&nbsp; Filled with both positives and negatives, understanding the pros and cons to travel for everyone who lives with mental health conditions is going to be crucial for a successful trip every time.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Travel can bring positive and negative thoughts to mind for those who are packing for a journey.&nbsp; Both are equally valid and important to acknowledge.</p> <p>Sources:</p> <ul> <li><a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0047287513496477">https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0047287513496477</a></li> <li><a href="https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/mental-health">https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/mental-health</a></li> </ul>