Finding My Way Again: How Travel Has Helped Me Cope with Loss, Anxiety and Depression

It’s been just over a year since my brother died, and I still struggle to find the right words for how that feels. Losing him changed everything. I’d lived with anxiety and depression before, but grief brought a new kind of silence — one that seeps into the edges of every day.

Some mornings, getting out of bed feels like a battle. Other times, I’ll be fine one minute and completely overwhelmed the next. Grief doesn’t move in straight lines. It comes in waves — and sometimes those waves hit harder than you expect.

Over the past year, I’ve tried a few different ways to cope: therapy, medication, small daily routines that give me structure. But one thing that’s helped me more than I ever imagined is travel.

Not the kind of travel you see on social media — not perfect sunsets or endless smiles — but quiet, personal travel. Getting away, even just for a couple of days, has helped me breathe again.

A Change of Scene

After my brother died, home didn’t feel like home anymore. Everywhere I looked, there were reminders of him. The same streets, the same memories, the same heaviness.

Travelling gave me space to step outside of that. It didn’t make the pain disappear — nothing can — but being somewhere new gave me permission to feel something else for a while. A bit of curiosity. A flicker of calm. Sometimes, that’s all you need to keep going.

Being Present

When you live with anxiety, your mind rushes ahead. When you live with grief, it pulls you back. Travel grounds you in the middle — in the now.

I’ve had moments sitting quietly by the sea, or wandering through an unfamiliar town, where for the first time in months, my thoughts went still. Just breathing, looking around, feeling the air on my face — it reminded me that life is still happening.

Small Steps of Confidence

Travelling while you’re struggling isn’t easy. There were days I nearly cancelled, convinced I couldn’t cope. But each time I did go, even if it was just for a short break, I came home a little stronger. I’d managed something new, and it reminded me that my world didn’t have to shrink forever.

The Healing Power of Nature

There’s something about being outdoors that brings me peace — walking along a coastal path, sitting by a lake, hearing the wind through the trees. Nature doesn’t rush you. It just lets you be. And in that stillness, I’ve found tiny pieces of healing.

Reaching Out

I wanted to share this because I know how lonely grief and mental illness can feel. When you’re in it, it can seem like nobody understands — but people do. And there is help. You don’t have to face it on your own.

If you’re struggling right now, please reach out. You deserve support.

Here are some places that can help:

• Samaritans. Call 116 123 (free, 24/7) – you don’t have to be suicidal to call.
  
  
• Mind. Call 0300 123 3393 or visit mind.co.uk

• Shout. Text 85258 for free, confidential text support any time.

And please know — I’m also here if you ever just need someone to talk to. No pressure, no expectations, and no need to talk about travel unless you want to. Sometimes it helps just to have a chat with someone who gets it.

A Final Thought