While the majority of my posts are eccentric and humorous in nature, I wouldn’t be human if didn’t expose myself to you in a deeper way. Don’t worry, I’m not showing you my nudies (at least without proper payment) Yes, the majority of the time I am a really goofy, fun-loving, positive person who’d do anything for a laugh. But within me, and probably within each of you, is something raw and real that we don’t show another soul. When we are depressed, we hide from the world. To be vulnerable is to be exposed to pain, and damn it, PAIN HURTS! So we suffer in silence, hoping that we have a few good friends who will see the pain through our smile. Listen people, I have the remedy for your depression woes, and it doesn’t exist at the bottom of that pill bottle! It’s called TRAVEL. Thus, I give you 5 ways that travel heals depression!
My first bought of real depression came after my 8 year relationship fizzled into thin air. I literally felt LOST. SO COMPLETELY LOST. College had just ended, my first real relationship was over, and I was all by my lonesome living back at my parents place. It was a crossroad I look back on and still remember vividly. I was attempting to find work, and nothing seemed exciting or meaningful in the least. I still remember watching the Travel Channel 24/7, idolizing Brooke Burke and wondering if I could ever have her job. (let alone her body) I can’t pinpont the exact moment, because to be honest I stewed about going on a Eurotrip for MONTHS, but one day I finally booked the ticket. It was done. There was no turning back. Little did I know it would turn out to be the best decision I ever made.
1. IT GIVES YOU FOCUS
As soon as I booked that ticket, I had some serious planning to do. It was the first time I’d ever traveled anywhere longer than a week. What ON EARTH would I pack for a month long Eurotrip and HOW? (I mean, naturally I thought about attire first) What countries would I want to visit besides Spain? Where would I stay? How do I keep from getting mugged and raped? Will I be lonely? I don’t even speak any foreign languages- WHAT AM I DOING TO MYSELF?! But guess what. I wasn’t depressed any longer. I was just nervous, scared, and excited! Travel planning gives you something to focus on so that you don’t feel as depressed. You are busy and on a mission!
2. IT ALTERS YOUR PERSPECTIVE
How does that old adage go? It’s not what happens to you, it’s how you react that matters. It’s so much harder to feel sorry for yourself when you’re passing out toys to impoverished children in Mexico, or volunteering to make a difference treating wounded wildlife animals, or helping to give children in Africa clean water. Of course, not all of my trips were as meaningful as this, (thought I did partake in passing out toys to children) but I think you catch my drift. Your perspective isn’t based on WHAT IS HAPPENING TO YOU any longer, and you begin to remember what happiness is. Happiness is an illusion created BY YOU that you can actually change and control.
3. IT MAKES YOU GRATEFUL
You don’t have to google far to understand that expressing gratitude heals depression, but if you want to read more about it, click HERE. If that is the case, then exactly how does traveling make you grateful? Can’t you get that exact same feeling staying at home and practicing meditation and writing in a gratitude journal? Yes, of course you can, and I’d highly recommend it! The gratitude you get from travel is just a different kind of grateful, in which you are thrust into a different environment every day, and forced to be thankful for it. For instance, while I was roaming around Europe, I was definitely lonely at times, but it made me so incredibly thankful for the family and friends I had at home! Stripped of our every day culture, we gain a new sense of gratitude for the people, food, and customs that make us who we are.
So I’ve told you the first life event which initiated my wanderlust lifestyle, but it pales in comparison to what I’m going to reveal now. By and large, the most depressing thing that has ever happened to me was the passing of my father which occurred on August 24th, 2010. He passed from ALS, a debilitating illness for which there is still no cure, so in essence I watched as he withered away over the course of 2 years. If you’ve ever had someone close to you die, you understand the immense pain I endured to witness this. There was certainly a time I considered getting anti-depressants, but my stubborn self couldn’t cave to the pharmaceutical industry. Six months after he passed, I did the only thing I could possibly think of to heal my pain: I went on a 6 week venture to Australia by my lonesome. Now some of you might see this as a form of escape. Let me tell you why it wasn’t, at least for me.
4. IT FORCES YOU TO BE VULNERABLE
WHAT?! What on earth does vulnerability have to do with traveling and/or how does it relate to healing depression? Well, let me ask you this. When you go to a therapist or counselor to talk to a perfect stranger about your life woes in an office, how much does it differ from talking to a travel buddy on a gorgeous hiking trail in Australia about the exact same issues? Don’t get me wrong, I am not in any way belittling or devaluing the education and commitment it takes to receive the training to be a therapist. I’m just saying that people really underestimate the value of healing that resides in expressing yourself in a different manner, such as laying on a beach and diving into your innermost thoughts and fears with a close friend or stranger. I spoke about my grief a few times while I was traveling around Australia, and it was extremely cathartic. So while leaving your comfort zone and traveling will leave you naked and vulnerable, vulnerability is often what we need most to deal with grief and/or depression.
5. IT IMPROVES YOUR ABILITY TO ADAPT
When you travel, not everything will go according to plan. You WILL have bad days, and you have to expect the unexpected. You might miss a flight, and have to sleep at an airport. You might get harassed by a stranger. You might have to beg for money because you lost yours (all of which have actually happened to me) My traveling adventures have made me much more of an adaptable person than I used to be, which is necessary when dealing with the emotional rollercoaster that is grief!
In summary, let me say this. While traveling can cause radical life transformation, it SHOULD NOT be the only avenue you use to relieve depression. And traveling to CURE depression is a lost cause, as problems you have will always travel with you. Depression is a serious issue, and while I try to insert laughable matter into this post to make light of it, I only do so because I know sometimes humor can be the best anecdote for those who are depressed. I am still dealing with bouts of grief from my father’s passing today, but TIME seems to be the one thing that truly helps. If you are truly suffering from depression, please locate other sources which can help you return to a happier existence. Seek professional help, try a new hobby, explore your passions, meditate, help someone else, and surround yourself with people who care. After all, we are all in this together!
Have you ever had a moment in your life you thought you couldn’t bounce back from? What helped you ease the pain? Has travel ever eased your depression?
I do see how booking my next adventure immediately gives me a rush of adrenaline
Mar recently posted…What $18,000 will get you in the air – Singapore Airlines Suites review
Wow! I never actually thought of that. It is interesting what travel can heal right?
I agree that travel is good for your mental health, however as someone who suffers from severe depression and anxiety, it only masks the problem until I return home.
It has taken a whole lot of work for me to get back to a healthy state of mind.
Ashlee recently posted…The Worldwide Adventure Game; No Muggles Allowed
This is really inspiring. I’m glad you’ve found ways to turn it all around. Me on the other hand, have to deal with depression upon returning home from traveling.
Erica recently posted…Date Ideas For Adventurers
I never had trouble with depression, but traveling made my life better anyway. I guess your points apply to everyone somehow. and I hope everyone fighting depression finds a way to make them feel better!
I fell into a slump after my Mom passed 2 years ago, travel is one of the things that got me out of it.
Brianna recently posted…The Natural Wonders of South Iceland
I have never thought about this, but it is very true. Traveling is a great way to combat depression. Plus your so focused on what is going on that you may forget all the crap you were stressing over.
It’s so completely true! Travel really opens you up and gives you lessons in life that you could never learn in school. It’s an amazing experience!
Dawn Kealing recently posted…Top 10 Places to Visit in Canada
A change of scene and a change of pace can really help and travel is one form of that! My friends who have suffered through such a stage have also found ‘healing’ through travel. Great post!
Aileen Adalid recently posted…Exploring Ghent in Belgium: A Self-Guided Walking Tour
Thanks for writing such a deep and honest post – I’ve been fortunate enough to have never had too many struggles with depression, though I know of many who have, and travel really can have an absolutely transformative effect. I met one girl recently who suffered from extreme anxiety disorders and was quite literally house bound for months until she decided she needed to make a severe change in her life to turn everything around. She forced herself to buy a one way plane ticket and has been traveling full time ever since.
I’m so glad you found travel to be your healing power – stay safe and keep inspiring others 🙂 XX
I love honest bloggers – the tagline of my blog is “Adventures and Rants of an Honest Traveler”. There you have it. I like it when people – bloggers – show themselves to the world for what they really are. Social media and blogs are full of people trying to give an image of themselves as confident, independent, knowledgeable persons. I know a few of them in person and I can see that they are so different from what they appear on their blog. It makes me sad (or depressed? LOL). Thank you for letting us know more about yourself 🙂
Claudia recently posted…How to be an Unsuccessful Backpacker
Such a great topic to discuss–I can definitely see how travel can help with depression. Especially your #5 point–gaining the ability to adapt is so important! Learning how to be flexible and adaptable is one of the best ways to stay happy in my mind!
Jenna recently posted…Landscapes of North America: Photo Book & Giveaway
I think everybody slips into something at some point in their life. I can certainly remember a few moments…. I would have never thought of you as ever feeling depressed, but I love the honesty of this post.
You are like a light of happiness in other people’s lives. I only met you for a short time, but I love your personality and your passion. If you gained that through travel, you have received great rewards 🙂
Lesley recently posted…Unique Experiences At Grand Residences Riviera Cancun
Thanks for being open and honest. Incredibly inspiring and your points are very true. Travel has so many benefits and it definitely has helped me grow as a person and heal. Thanks for bringing to light and tackling a difficult subject, one that many people avoid.
Carolann – One Modern Couple recently posted…Cultural Encounters of the Unexpected Kind
Silhouette roro, you have to admit that they have a point though…lol..I caught myself giggling at superdestroyer's comment..lol..True true. When it comes to carbon footprints, the rich cannot be topped. Yet roro is right, if he is using his influence over people to bring about change for the better, then cut him a little slack. At least he's not sitting on his yacht saying “I got mine..”. So take the good where it comes..there's your wisdom..
Great points to ponder! Loved them all and can totally related. Thanks for sharing!
V. Dotter recently posted…Time to See Clearly Now in the Desert
Articles on combatting depression are always useful but it’s good to see a new spin on it.
Thanks so much! Hope you stop by again! 🙂
I feel like I have more purpose when I am seeing the world. And I always feel like my husband and I have a better relationshipwhen we are experiencing new things and travel- rather than the couch for the 100th night in a row. It forces us to focus on eachother and not the tv
hayli recently posted…Why I changed my mind about twitter
EXPERIENCE makes you who you are! Such a wonderful comment you made about traveling together.. it has spurred a new travel post idea. Thanks for visiting!
Thanks for this! It was such a great read. I couldn’t agree more. I feel like I am always just living for my next vacation and when you don’t have one planned its hard to focus and stay motivated.
It makes you feel so alive! What a great list! If only we could travel forever…:)
Colleen B recently posted…The Girl Who Used to Write Poetry On Trains
My favorite part about this piece is when you talk about how travel forces you to be vulnerable and thus puts you in a better place to deal w/ depression. As someone who is working through clinical depression, I can attest that my worst moments came when I refused to admit that something was wrong. When you travel, you’re already in a constant state of vulnerability & you’ve prepared yourself for that mentally so it’s soooooooo much easier to just admit it & deal w/ it then & there.
Thanks for this
Seriously, THANK YOU SO MUCH for putting yourself out there and admitting your depression. Admitting you have a problem is half the battle. I really truly hope it helped. Please come back and visit!:)
Great post and couldn’t agree more. Travel has such amazing healing powers! Thanks for sharing and opening up 🙂
Lucy Smith recently posted…Grand Canyon Snapshots
Thank YOU for sharing this journey with me! 🙂
So true! Thank you for reminding me why I do what I do 🙂
Jessica Smith recently posted…Upcoming Beer Events: October 2015
I love your blog! did you generate this yourself or did you outsource it? Im looking for a blog make thats similar so thats the only guess I’m asking. Whether way keep up the nice work I was impressed with your article really..
Another advantage is no grunting noise, just pure silence of the revolution to transform fossil fuel consumption into a greener energy by purchasing an to save money on gas? There is no grunting noise, just pure silence of the electric engine!
Traveling the world for a year definitely helped me when I was going through a tough time. As you note, improving you ability to adapt is a key benefit.
Michael @ Changes in Longitude recently posted…Tasting as many Romanian pastries as I can
It is how we adapt in the hard times that makes us who we are! Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting! 🙂
In my field, and the crazy stuff I have to deal with on a daily basis, this is of particular use, and I just may send it a few coworkers of mine. Thanks for sharing.
Milosz Zak recently posted…Top 14 Things to See and Do in Aswan
Honest to God, travel has made me LIVE. I wrote this to heal myself and to help others. Please do so! 🙂
Some interesting points. I think, if nothing else, travelling distracts you from your day to day problems and gives you a sense of achievement. There are other things such as a new job you really enjoy that would probably have a similar effect.
Someone I met travelling a while back, a woman in her 60s, often got asked why she suddenly decided to leave her home and travel ‘at her age’. Her answer was ‘well it was either this or suicide’. She wasn’t joking.
It definitely does distract you, but it also invigorates you! And that woman’s comment sends chills through my spine. To think, travel literally SAVED HER LIFE. How cool is that?!
I agree, travel gives you focus and changes your perspectives on things! IT makes you vulnerable but it teaches you a lot about yourself. Good article here.
Agree!!! It really perks you up and gives you more spirit.
christine recently posted…Tasting my way around Athens with a Greek food tour
It’s been AMAZING for my heart and soul! Thanks for stopping by!
As someone who has suffered from depression before I can say how true this is, travel has changed my mind, constantly revitalises me and makes me even more aware of how amazing the world can be!
Nic from Roaming Renegades recently posted…39 Stunning Photos which will make you want to pack up and head for SWITZERLAND!!
Beautiful reasons to travel and that these reasons also helped you on your personal journey.
Michelle recently posted…Giraffe at Sunset
Travelling is the cure for EVERYTHING in my opinion!! So many peoples lives have been transformed by stepping out of their comfort zone and into the wide world!
Conor (The Continental Drifters) recently posted…Ancient Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Travel really is the greatest 🙂
This is a very uplifting article. I like reading about positive outcomes. Frankly, I never analyzed how travel might impact and/or heal depression, but everything you mentioned make perfect sense. Cheers!
Elena recently posted…First day in Sicily: Mondello and Capo Gallo
Great post! I never really thought about travel being able to help healing depression. I especially agree with the fact that it increases your ability to adapt and I think that has been the greatest lesson for me so far. <3
Bettina recently posted…8 Unusual Travel Gadgets You Secretly Want
love it such a great way of thinking about travel which I want to do more of
Great post! I was nodding my head at every point. I’ve always thought that travel really changes your brain, in a way, with the different perspective you develop, so I see how it could certain help with depression. As some of the other commenters have said, I agree as well that there is definitely a “funk” when you return home after traveling.
Christianna recently posted…22nd Birthday in Vegas
Totally agree— it always makes me grateful!
— DT | Here I Scribble
DT recently posted…My biggest Pet peeves — October Blogging Challenge Day 6
Love this!! I have felt this way before and every time I travel this horrible feeling fades away. Thanks for sharing.
Rosalyn O. recently posted…Long Bob Haircut / Corte de Pelo Bob Largo
Wow I love this. I actually think us fun loving people are the most sensitive of all. But the key is on embracing our vulnerability and travel helps us tremendously with that. I loved this. Thank you for sharing your personal journey with us!
Of course! I just want to help those who might be struggling with the same thoughts. We can only get through this by helping one another. I am truly a very sensitive person, though most don’t recognize. Glad you saw through the shell:) Thanks!
Thank you for this post. It really does resonate with me.
Amanda Williams recently posted…San Francisco: Top 5 Green Attractions
I really couldn’t ask for more from this article.