Alice Stevenson’s tips

Prepare for the airport

Have a look at the airport you’re flying to and the time it will take to get to and from the terminals. Plan to get there early to give yourself extra time. Make sure you have all documentation or items required for flying. Plan for delays, hold-ups and flight changes, and always travel with insurance.

Take a bathroom breather

Airports may feel a little hectic and unpredictable initially with the influx in passengers.

“I really like the good old five-minute bathroom breather. No matter where you are, if it’s super-busy somewhere, find a public restroom. Sit yourself in there and have a few minutes. We forget about these things when we’re stressed or somewhere new, so mentally rehearsing them before you go is really valuable.”

Stevenson suggests wearing sunglasses, which can help make you feel like there’s more space around you, or headphones — even if you’re not listening to anything.

Plan for connection

Have your support people on stand-by.

“If you talk to your sister when you’re feeling overwhelmed, make sure she knows that you’re travelling and she’s going to answer her phone.”

Add to your phone any support numbers like New Zealand’s 1737 to talk to a trained counsellor or peer support worker if you’d like to talk to someone who doesn’t know you. There are a number of mental health helplines in Australia, such as Lifeline: 13 11 14.

Work on wellbeing basics

Listen to your body while travelling. Find ways to eat well and sleep well. When you’re at your destination, prioritise getting outside and into nature.

“It sounds super-basic but those things can quickly fall out of your grasp when you’re out of your environment.”

Ask for support

It’s okay to let airport and airline staff know that you are feeling anxious or jittery, as they’re trained to help.

“I think if you’ve had previous experience of anxiety or distress, it’s really important to review all your go-tos for coping. Make a little list and put them in your bag, so you just know they’re there.”

There are more resources and coping strategies available through the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand. mentalhealth.org.nz