Later today I’m heading off to spend 3 weeks on Vacation in Italy.

This Trip is what has been keeping me going through a rough stretch with my depression over the last 6 weeks or so.  Not that my depression is allowing me to actually feel excited about it, but I’m hanging on to the possibility that being in a totally different environment might help me feel a little better.  The problem is, though, you can’t really take a vacation from inside your own head.

This is only the second time I’ve gone on an international trip while feeling unwell (aside from beach vacations).   The last time was when I went to Russia in 2012 immediately following a major meltdown.  It was a really rough trip, and I remember sobbing on the phone to my parents.  I’m hoping not to have a repeat of that.

I’m travelling alone and independently (i.e. not with a tour group), so all the logistics will be up to me.  I’m quite an experienced traveller, so hopefully it will all come fairly easily, but I get overwhelmed pretty easily these days.  I also have a hard time dealing with being around people, which could be problematic.  I don’t want the attention of standing out as an obvious tourist, so instead of the no-makeup yoga pants look that is my depressed norm, I’m going to force myself to dress up and wear makeup and hope that I blend into the background.

As for the blog, I have some scheduled posts set up, but I probably won’t be online much while I’m away.  Ciao for now!

Image credit: Free-Photos on Pixabay