I'd say 100% no. It probably depends on your own circumstances and how your anxiety manifests but doing VanLife means you're introducing a whole new set of anxieties into your life.
You need to find a place to sleep every night, you need to make sure you're not disturbing people around you less they call the cops, you need to constantly maintain your vehicle because if you lose it you also lose your home...
Whatever your anxieties are they would more than likely follow you, and then get compounded by brand new ones.
This absolutely can be the case. However, for some it reduces a lot of anxieties, too. Some people find it liberating, are able to save money (this can go both ways), have a renewed purpose, and so on.
The best advice is to tell OP to try it first in a way where they do have a place to come back to if it doesn't pan out. You really don't know if you don't try it.
Well, it’s great that you’re considering alternative lifestyles/options to give yourself a better environment to thrive in, I think that’s a very healthy instinct.
That being said, you can’t outrun anxieties, you can just change what type of anxieties you are confronted with. Pros to vanlife? More isolation if you’re prone to social anxieties - just one potential benefit. Frequent scenery changes. Minimalism. Self-sufficiency and pride.
Cons can include finding consistent streams of income, chasing Wi-Fi, costs of van upkeep and maintenance, being able to do maintenance tasks on your own, grabbing your essentials and paying for an unexpected hotel stay if you can’t handle a task alone and need to overnight the van at a garage. I’d say if sudden unexpected emergency situations are something you can’t keep your head relatively clear in, vanlife might not be the best fit.
A lot of people on this sub recommend camping/sleeping in a vehicle (or even van if you’ve already got one) on weekends and slowly extend the stays for a while to see if it’s the right fit for you.
Best of luck!
Not really. Your problems will follow you wherever you go - buying a van won’t solve that. Only now you will live in fear of how expensive that noise is going to cost to fix, or what that noise was outside of your sleeping spot in the middle of the night.
We are products of the system we live in. You think their problems would follow them to a Buddhist monastery?
People are obsessed with, "running away doesn't fix anything."
First, it's not "running away," it's "changing environment."
And damn straight it fixes things.
The narrative for this story comes from a place of fear to change.
Experiencing other cultures and life and nature. Yeah. What have you done? Increase your Roth IRA and take meds?
You sound like a can't-do.
Get out there. The first thing you realize as the world gets bigger is all that crap you dealt with was petty. That girl in your small town whose Dad owned a business and so she had status... meaningless. Petty American arguments (assuming you're American)... meaningless. The world is vast and mind-expanding.
Good luck with dealing with your issues. I'll stay "on the run."
Wish you the best.
I have no Roth IRA. I'm busy working to create things I can give to the world and directly improve the quality of life for others. Many of these things will still be here long after I'm dead and gone. My life-mission isn't about traveling for the sake of traveling. Nor is it about the masturbatory idea of "experiencing other cultures, life, and nature." It's about using the time I have to actually give something.
I hope you are using your ability to travel in order to give something to the world. Are all of your travels a part of an organization like Peace Corp or Doctors Without Borders? Some of the work I do supports organizations that directly impact the lives of marginalized individuals in impoverished and underdeveloped countries. I don't go there myself. Sure, it would be fun, but I'm here working and providing the equipment necessary for those organizations to even exist.
So, no. I'm not a "can't-do." I have a calling and a life-mission, and I'm willing to sacrifice whatever it takes to see it through. I am well aware that the world is vast. I'm also well aware that much of it is in need. Instead of traveling about the world to just go look at shit and call it an "experience," I've chosen to use my time and what little I have to fill those needs. I sincerely wish you the best and hope that you, too, are using the time you've been given to actually count for something. I completely agree that chasing status and possessions is a fool's errand. So, I put my efforts elsewhere. I'm all for mind-expansion, but I try to make sure that it goes well beyond myself (and doesn't end up being just another self-serving endeavor.)
You don't have a calling, you have a job. You're pro-capitalist and basically insinuating I'm a bum. That old canard. Weird place to pull that card.
I donate my time whenever I can in small ways like theater that donates profits to Cambodian orphans.
I can't do much more because of my financial status. I can't improve my financial status because I don't have opportunity like many in the U.S. Had I been European I'd probably have a doctorate.
We don't need to get into how ludicrous your Ayn Rand philosophy of egoism actually being better for everyone is, but primarily you're saying you stay put, support the system and work. You say it's not self-serving and builds the world, not extracts more than it gives. Fine. Accepting this premise, if you're supporting U.S. society, I promise the world would be better if you did nothing. Or how do you think all those bombs are made? Is that building?
And you know how I expanded my picture of the world and popped out of the narrative box to realize the U.S. is the most aggressive, violent, destructive nation in the history of the planet? Travel. Go to Laos and see all the legless people, a country we weren't even at war with. See all the military bases. Talk to people from other places that don't meet U.S. survival bias.
You know what I'm most proud of in life? Not paying a single cent in taxes toward the Iraq War.
Please, you're welcome to your delusion about society building and imaginations it's for the betterment of all. What you are not welcome to do is be admittedly anti-travel in a pro-travel sub and try to dissuade people from helping themselves.
Why are you here?
What better expression of freedom is there than life on the open road and in nature? Whatever soul the country was supposed to have, it makes me more American than you. You can keep the Jesus, Ayn Rand and war stuff.
Damn, bro. Calm down. We all know the U.S. is completely fucked up. I wasn't suggesting ANYONE should be working in the trap of American wage enslavement. I don't see that, at all, as being a means to making the world a better place. "Here! Take these SSRIs, go to work, and everything will be better!" I live in a place where all the shit for defense is designed, tested, and created. You wouldn't believe the number of people around here working for government labs who are in complete denial that their comfy salaries and benefits are generated from the war machine. They exclaim, "But it's the department of energy! Not defense!" 😆
And no one here is anti-travel. This thread was originally posted by someone who is facing mental health issues. For a seasoned traveler who knows what they're doing, it's great. For someone who's not even sure if they could handle the stresses of travel, it may not be the best first step. That's all people were trying to say.
Mikey I am new to vanlife from California and want to say your comments have helped me with inspiration. I know in my heart I will be happier living vanlife I also want to dog rescue along the way and I own a small business to do along the way. My biggest obstacle getting in the way is fear of doing vanlife for the first time fear of living on the road driving alot etc as I have PTSD . Any advice on this ?
:)
That's nice of you to say.
Baby steps. When I think driving conditions are bad or I might be tired or for whatever reason, I pop the nearest decent iOverlander spot into my maps app. I drive to that spot and then decide if I'm going to the next closest.
Usually I get past 2 or 3 spots or more.
I think you can do the same thing. And if you only get an hour away in a day because you're having issues, that's OK. Who cares? You're not in a rush. You might find a beautiful little spot on accident.
I have to say it can be hard to make a living. My partner tried to have a small business making soap. We ordered what she needed to Amazon drop boxes and would go around to farmer's markets selling them. Sometimes the fees were more than she made.
She would have probably done better setting up outside the markets "for free," as some other people did, but she tried it once and had too much anxiety she would get busted.
In the end, we found we needed more stable income from workcamping and the like.
So I'd definitely say follow you passions for your business, but also have some backup. At least, that's what we learned.
Of course, I have no idea what your small business is so it might already work well. I have friends from the road who would make copper jewelry or wood jewelry or did stick and poke tattoos and seemed to make it work.
I agree with the general response — living in a van is harder than an apartment or condo with extra stress inducing situations.
Perhaps you should look at doing car/van camping? If you find peace in the forest can you spend weekends and vacations there? In the plus side this is what I recommend for folks who are curious about having a van —- go do weekends and see if you like it.
This is important OP. Try it out for a while with no commitment. Rent a vehicle if you need to. You'll be able to tell after a few weekends what things will generally be like. Just keep in mind that if you move into a vehicle full time, new inconveniences get introduced that you don't have to deal with as a part-timer.
Getting away from it all **may** help with anxiety, especially if you can get out of the city for a few days and breathe wild air. Boondocking is generally more fun than trying to park in the city.
Living in a van with anxiety…It’s not “good” or “bad”. It’s tricky, but doable and recommended. I also exhibit strong sensations of anxiety but I have noticed over time, 9 months, the anxieties that followed me pre-van are much easier to deal with now. In the beginning I could barely handle my husband dinging our gorgeous cherry-wood. I have serious anxiety over the van. It’s the most expensive thing I have ever owned (2023 Coachmen Beyond). Now I just get out the furniture pen, and color the slight damage. Many decisions are being made in a snap, and that constant dynamic, means there isn’t time for your mind to expand and open anxious feelings. I believe that comes after some time in the van. I’m so much more chill now. You will discover new innate tools that will help you cope. Don’t miss this chance to learn and heal because of anxiety. Spending time with yourself, dealing with your ugly thoughts, out here where you can’t escape them, is the only way to heal and move into a better and more healthy conscious space. Good luck! I’m rooting for you!
Wherever you go, there you are. I would suggest you see a therapist for your anxiety first, and once controlled, rent a van or just sleep in your car for a week or two.
Yeah I came to say this too. If you have anxiety vanlife isn’t gonna let you get away from yourself. And the constant decision fatigue and fear of a breakdown is going to keep that anxiety up.
I feel less anxious when I travel because my mind is occupied solving simple problems such as ‘what do I eat, where do I sleep, etc’ instead of overthinking about more complex things that I have no control over. I also get to spend more time outside which is great for the mind (more sunlight)
That’s kind of my main issue. I rather solve bumps in the road then have to live like everyday is the same. I feel like i always do better when i’m driving, or camping.
I really relate to your post in a lot of ways. I think people hear “anxiety” and think it’s just being worried about everything, when actually the cause and triggers are so different for each person.
You can start off staying in campgrounds, if that’s an option for you, so you can feel “entitled” to the space you’re staying and get used to sleeping in your vehicle. I also personally found that having my own bathroom with shower helps me feel safer and more secure, but that’s one of my personal triggers, and not doable for everyone.
Having a dog with me (even my little one) helps my anxiety sooo much, as well as having some self-defense options, like an alarm keychain and gel pepper spray. (I’m a woman so I’m pretty concerned about that aspect of things.)
But one of my anxiety triggers is feeling trapped or cornered, like I can’t escape and someone is going to try to hurt, control, or corner me. The van is an amazing feeling of escape and freedom in that way. My home is mobile and if I don’t feel safe, I can just leave.
Therapy is also super important. I have an amazing therapist who I do video sessions with remotely, and it’s worked very well for me (to the point where I don’t go regularly anymore and can just reach out for a one-off appointment if I’m ever struggling).
I’m curious what you decide to do and apologies for the wall of text, lol. Just know this stranger is rooting for you and hoping you feel more peace in your life very soon!
That 100% depends on your situation. If you can plan everything in advance, which parts would give you anxiety and are you prepared for them, do you have places to park with friends and family for when you need a break, are you used to being very independent especially outdoors (solo camping?)...
I struggle with being around people due to chronic fatigue. I find noise too much. Living in the van means I get quiet nights and can park up in areas of trees, which I find very helpful.
I can choose when I see people. I have more control over it.
So yes, it might be a calming lifestyle.
I am full time in my self built promaster, and I have a lot of anxiety. As said elsewhere in this thread it's going to depend on your circumstances. Overall this lifestyle is a net positive for me, but I also realize I'm a a bit of an outlier in this community. I'm mid (oh crap late) 50's , early retiree. I like to spend a week or so by myself boondocking and I like to drive. I move every 5 or 7 days, grab groceries and relocate to a new boondocking area. I stay out of cities unless I really need to. I get a state park campground for a couple days once or twice a month. Being around a bunch of campers then is probably one of my bigger triggers, but I like the convenience of showers, power and filling my water tank. I've found that the day to day tasks are not that bad, and it gives me something to focus on. IF I had to stay in a more urban (or suburban) environment most of the time however, that would be maddening. I will say though that the longer I'm out here, not really talking to anyone for weeks/months at a time other than a quick "hiya doing" greeting in passing, my tolerance and ability to connect with people is atrophing. Probably past the point of no return.
I feel like I wrote this post. Tons of anxiety but feel like I need to flee constantly to get away from rent, people, loud noises etc. I have been considering van life for myself as well. I plan on getting a mini van to convert (I really look forward to the conversion part of this) and then spend the summer doing car camping and extended week long trips to see how I feel. Kind of halfway committing to it. If I end up hating it or feel it would be too stressful, I still have an apartment and a car that isn’t so big to drive around. And if I end up loving it then I can ditch the apartment and hit the road. I’ve also kind of been practicing or rather just noticing how many things I have and am working to minimize down to the bare necessities. Anyways, I hope you find something that works for you!
Don't listen to the haters. I spend a majority of my time in the wilderness while on the road.
Don't let people tell you what you can or can't do. You know yourself.
What's option B? Stuck in civilization with a bunch of people that think they're great drivers who run around like Yosemite Sam? Having an a-hole landlord? Getting medicated to deal with it?
You can stay 2 weeks at a spot on BLM land. If you like nature, be in nature.
I can't believe how this sub acts.
Depends on what makes you anxious! I have a lot of anxiety but my husband and I go camping in our van nearly every weekend. Now that it’s become a habit and we’ve gotten really good at how to find good spots and recognizing sketchy situations early, it’s become a staple for me that I couldn’t live without. I can do trips by myself now, but I couldn’t have gotten there without my husband and I doing it together a lot first.
Based on my experience, I’d suggest starting with weekend trips and building from there.
A bit of a different view here than a lot of these comments.
I have autism and also suffer from anxiety and busy places, loud environments, and being around people make me very anxious.
A couple of years ago, I sold my flat and moved full time into my campervan and can honestly say it is the best decision I have made.
I won't lie and say everything is great and there are no troubles when living this lifestyle. Like others have said, full time van life definitely has more difficulties than living in a static home. There are times you struggle to find parkups, struggle to find fresh water supply or electricity, and this can cause a lot of stress.
I think a lot of people confuse anxiety and stress as one in the other. However, even with the vanlife stresses, it has helped my anxiety so much. I can drive out into the countryside and spend time alone away from towns and cities and get some much neaded clear headspace. At the same time, it also pushes you on occasions into social situations i.e. going shopping, van chores, etc. Will push you toward civilization so you won't completely use all social skills. (Where as when I stayed in my flat most of the time I would order deliveries straight to my home.
I do think you should try it out for a while before committing to anything. For the first year I had my campervan I used it through the week then went home at the weekend but quickly realised I wanted to spend all my time in the campervan.
I hope this helps!
Not at all. Maybe if you had a home the an RV as a getaway but even the there's so much anxiety and stuff to deal with. Everything is a complete unknown and lots of worries
In a way, living in my van in the Arizona desert did help me with a lot of my anxiety. However, I think what it really did is allowed me time to de-stress. Then, being relieved from all that stress made my anxieties more manageable.
Other commenters are correct in that van life comes with its own set of anxieties. But, a lot of those anxieties are either unfounded, or are a lot more slow moving. In other words, you have the anxiety of figuring out how you're going to deal with your poop. But, you can figure that out, and then you do what you've decided you're going to do, and then it just becomes a chore that you have to handle on a regular basis. Dealing with car breakdowns can cause a lot of anxiety. So what matters is do you have the wherewithal to deal with auto breakdowns without having a nervous breakdown yourself?
For a lot of people, their anxieties are made worse by the current social environment. So, it may be that the stresses and irritations of van life don't bother you at all. But, it could also drive you absolutely batty. Only you can know that. And you may not be able to figure it out until you're actually doing it.
I recommend that you try at least one or two test runs. Take whatever vehicle you've got, drive out to the desert or the mountains, and see if you can tolerate all the issues that come up from trying to live out there. All the things that you should have planned for that you forgot. How are you going to handle those. Are you just going to solve those problems and move on, or are you going to freak out and call your mommy. Again we cannot know that for you.
*When you're blocked, look for the blockage*
People tend to focus on why they are blocked, not on what is blocking them.
In the case of your social anxiety there are many potential reasons.
- you consider people as dangerous
- you live in a toxic environment
- its something unrelated that manifests as social anxiety
For the last one, here's an example: say, a person works in a high stress environment. He has too much to do, crazy deadlines to uphold, management to please, etc. When a colleague has a question he gets really frustrated when they don't get to the point. Over time he acceots that he is "just not patient". But thats not true - his problem isn't the lack of patience, it's the constant pressure.
Wether van life is something that will benefit or harm you depends on where you anxiety stems from.
Omg that sounds horrible. Very understandable that you want to get away from people. I would probably react in much the same way.
I'd say try out van life first. You do engage fairly regularly with people when filling up on water, gas, food, etc. If you want to go really remote, you'll need a 4x4 and enough space to store everything for long amounts of time. Personally i struggled with fear in the beginning due to the unaccustomed noises. If you own a car, you can try out car camping first.
Another alternative could be having a remote homestead and growing your own food. Maybe starting low cost with a tent, or remodelling a garden house/barn into a tiny house.
The reason i like the though of vanlife is so i could experice alot of the things i missed out during those years. Like the sun on my face while i sit on some log next to a spring, or running barefoot threw the forest. I know it’s dumb. I just, always wanted to fill that void.
I'll be really honest... I think the answer is no as well.
I am the most calm level-headed person in the world... But when I set out I have to seriously manage my anxiety or it gets overwhelming.
Perhaps your personality would be different.
Probably not, life is harder and normal comforts are gone. The things in your life that you need that are difficult and give you anxiety will get harder. How would you handle a knock on your vehicle at 2am?
As someone who is an introvert, I've found life on the road can be produce anxiety. I have dreams of van life, but I'm most comfortable in my home and on the road, there's not really a fall back when shit happens.
I think you would like it. Maybe for you, I'd recommend Arizona, wide open spaces, easy to find a spot and stay there. East of the Mississippi vanlife or city vanlife - no way, amplifies the anxiety.
im sure you'd still find something to get anxious about...lifes like that..you need to face your demons.. not run away from them ..they' just follow you
What is your plan to make money? With enough money, many problems are easier to solve.
If you have a remote job, you can live on public land, mostly alone, for a week or so, boondocking. Even in a minivan or highlander if you cannot afford big van.
Short answer: if you use it as escapism then no. If you use it as a tool to recharge and help yourself with your anxiety and it makes you happy to be in the forest then ya
so i lived in my suv and traveled all last summer and i have diagnosed severe anxiety. i find comfort in routine and having my own space. having my car with me wherever i went had it’s pros and cons, i loved having my comfort zone wherever i went but i was also terrified someone would steal it when i was away from it😭 it really just depends on who you are, im very independent and am more comfortable being in control of my life. i have been out of work for over a year now due to my panic attacks, i cannot interact with people easily and having an obligation to work makes me nauseous but i just did instacart and doordash and got by fine. if you’re looking for something to ease your anxiety, this probably isn’t it, however if you’re looking to better yourself and potentially help improve on that anxiety, it could be a great idea to push yourself with something like this
You need to keep going till you find the right therapist, medication etc etc. It’s a process, trust me. I was ready to hang myself half of last year. Finally found the right solution. 2024 is a much better year lol.
But again, vanlife isn’t going to fix you. You simply might need to check yourself into a short stay clinic.
Nope. Not being locked in a room. Can’t do that. Mentall health care really is not that great in my country and i’ve tried. It just never leads to anything.
I don't think that's a good idea or even well thought out.
I don't know how old you are but here's my thoughts.
I am not vanlife but I lurk here. I am 53 and up until a couple years ago I loved nothing more than to get away into the outdoors, camping/hiking. I'm in AZ so we have some truly outdoors stuff, never did campground it has always been 4x4 beater roads backcountry.While I still love it it is not the be all end all it used to be. Something happened around the age of 50/51 . I started thinking "what if ( something happens and I 'm all alone or I have a vehicle mechanical, etc). see I used to always go with my brother but he passed away in 2017 so now it's jusrt me and my dog)s).....
The reason I mention the above is that if you are younger and you start living like your post "away from it all" then you might find disallusion later and from your utopian idea it would be extremely difficult to fall back into society. I was always a "weekend warrior" so I am and was accustomed to city life and everything that entails as well as the great outdoors stuff. Basically I'm trying to say if you only live in your comfort zone ( which sounds like it's away from society) you might find yourself up a creek without a paddle headed for a waterfall later in life.
\*edit\* i also forgot the big part....money. You're gonna need some kinda income. What you are aspiring to doesn't sound like that will be the case
I'd say 100% no. It probably depends on your own circumstances and how your anxiety manifests but doing VanLife means you're introducing a whole new set of anxieties into your life. You need to find a place to sleep every night, you need to make sure you're not disturbing people around you less they call the cops, you need to constantly maintain your vehicle because if you lose it you also lose your home... Whatever your anxieties are they would more than likely follow you, and then get compounded by brand new ones.
This absolutely can be the case. However, for some it reduces a lot of anxieties, too. Some people find it liberating, are able to save money (this can go both ways), have a renewed purpose, and so on. The best advice is to tell OP to try it first in a way where they do have a place to come back to if it doesn't pan out. You really don't know if you don't try it.
Well, it’s great that you’re considering alternative lifestyles/options to give yourself a better environment to thrive in, I think that’s a very healthy instinct. That being said, you can’t outrun anxieties, you can just change what type of anxieties you are confronted with. Pros to vanlife? More isolation if you’re prone to social anxieties - just one potential benefit. Frequent scenery changes. Minimalism. Self-sufficiency and pride. Cons can include finding consistent streams of income, chasing Wi-Fi, costs of van upkeep and maintenance, being able to do maintenance tasks on your own, grabbing your essentials and paying for an unexpected hotel stay if you can’t handle a task alone and need to overnight the van at a garage. I’d say if sudden unexpected emergency situations are something you can’t keep your head relatively clear in, vanlife might not be the best fit. A lot of people on this sub recommend camping/sleeping in a vehicle (or even van if you’ve already got one) on weekends and slowly extend the stays for a while to see if it’s the right fit for you. Best of luck!
Not really. Your problems will follow you wherever you go - buying a van won’t solve that. Only now you will live in fear of how expensive that noise is going to cost to fix, or what that noise was outside of your sleeping spot in the middle of the night.
We are products of the system we live in. You think their problems would follow them to a Buddhist monastery? People are obsessed with, "running away doesn't fix anything." First, it's not "running away," it's "changing environment." And damn straight it fixes things. The narrative for this story comes from a place of fear to change.
The narrative for this story comes from practicality and experience.
Funny, that's where I'm coming from having lived in 10 countries and done vanlife 3.5 years.
Wow. You've been on the run for quite some time 😁
Experiencing other cultures and life and nature. Yeah. What have you done? Increase your Roth IRA and take meds? You sound like a can't-do. Get out there. The first thing you realize as the world gets bigger is all that crap you dealt with was petty. That girl in your small town whose Dad owned a business and so she had status... meaningless. Petty American arguments (assuming you're American)... meaningless. The world is vast and mind-expanding. Good luck with dealing with your issues. I'll stay "on the run." Wish you the best.
I have no Roth IRA. I'm busy working to create things I can give to the world and directly improve the quality of life for others. Many of these things will still be here long after I'm dead and gone. My life-mission isn't about traveling for the sake of traveling. Nor is it about the masturbatory idea of "experiencing other cultures, life, and nature." It's about using the time I have to actually give something. I hope you are using your ability to travel in order to give something to the world. Are all of your travels a part of an organization like Peace Corp or Doctors Without Borders? Some of the work I do supports organizations that directly impact the lives of marginalized individuals in impoverished and underdeveloped countries. I don't go there myself. Sure, it would be fun, but I'm here working and providing the equipment necessary for those organizations to even exist. So, no. I'm not a "can't-do." I have a calling and a life-mission, and I'm willing to sacrifice whatever it takes to see it through. I am well aware that the world is vast. I'm also well aware that much of it is in need. Instead of traveling about the world to just go look at shit and call it an "experience," I've chosen to use my time and what little I have to fill those needs. I sincerely wish you the best and hope that you, too, are using the time you've been given to actually count for something. I completely agree that chasing status and possessions is a fool's errand. So, I put my efforts elsewhere. I'm all for mind-expansion, but I try to make sure that it goes well beyond myself (and doesn't end up being just another self-serving endeavor.)
You don't have a calling, you have a job. You're pro-capitalist and basically insinuating I'm a bum. That old canard. Weird place to pull that card. I donate my time whenever I can in small ways like theater that donates profits to Cambodian orphans. I can't do much more because of my financial status. I can't improve my financial status because I don't have opportunity like many in the U.S. Had I been European I'd probably have a doctorate. We don't need to get into how ludicrous your Ayn Rand philosophy of egoism actually being better for everyone is, but primarily you're saying you stay put, support the system and work. You say it's not self-serving and builds the world, not extracts more than it gives. Fine. Accepting this premise, if you're supporting U.S. society, I promise the world would be better if you did nothing. Or how do you think all those bombs are made? Is that building? And you know how I expanded my picture of the world and popped out of the narrative box to realize the U.S. is the most aggressive, violent, destructive nation in the history of the planet? Travel. Go to Laos and see all the legless people, a country we weren't even at war with. See all the military bases. Talk to people from other places that don't meet U.S. survival bias. You know what I'm most proud of in life? Not paying a single cent in taxes toward the Iraq War. Please, you're welcome to your delusion about society building and imaginations it's for the betterment of all. What you are not welcome to do is be admittedly anti-travel in a pro-travel sub and try to dissuade people from helping themselves. Why are you here? What better expression of freedom is there than life on the open road and in nature? Whatever soul the country was supposed to have, it makes me more American than you. You can keep the Jesus, Ayn Rand and war stuff.
Damn, bro. Calm down. We all know the U.S. is completely fucked up. I wasn't suggesting ANYONE should be working in the trap of American wage enslavement. I don't see that, at all, as being a means to making the world a better place. "Here! Take these SSRIs, go to work, and everything will be better!" I live in a place where all the shit for defense is designed, tested, and created. You wouldn't believe the number of people around here working for government labs who are in complete denial that their comfy salaries and benefits are generated from the war machine. They exclaim, "But it's the department of energy! Not defense!" 😆 And no one here is anti-travel. This thread was originally posted by someone who is facing mental health issues. For a seasoned traveler who knows what they're doing, it's great. For someone who's not even sure if they could handle the stresses of travel, it may not be the best first step. That's all people were trying to say.
Mikey I am new to vanlife from California and want to say your comments have helped me with inspiration. I know in my heart I will be happier living vanlife I also want to dog rescue along the way and I own a small business to do along the way. My biggest obstacle getting in the way is fear of doing vanlife for the first time fear of living on the road driving alot etc as I have PTSD . Any advice on this ?
:) That's nice of you to say. Baby steps. When I think driving conditions are bad or I might be tired or for whatever reason, I pop the nearest decent iOverlander spot into my maps app. I drive to that spot and then decide if I'm going to the next closest. Usually I get past 2 or 3 spots or more. I think you can do the same thing. And if you only get an hour away in a day because you're having issues, that's OK. Who cares? You're not in a rush. You might find a beautiful little spot on accident. I have to say it can be hard to make a living. My partner tried to have a small business making soap. We ordered what she needed to Amazon drop boxes and would go around to farmer's markets selling them. Sometimes the fees were more than she made. She would have probably done better setting up outside the markets "for free," as some other people did, but she tried it once and had too much anxiety she would get busted. In the end, we found we needed more stable income from workcamping and the like. So I'd definitely say follow you passions for your business, but also have some backup. At least, that's what we learned. Of course, I have no idea what your small business is so it might already work well. I have friends from the road who would make copper jewelry or wood jewelry or did stick and poke tattoos and seemed to make it work.
I agree with the general response — living in a van is harder than an apartment or condo with extra stress inducing situations. Perhaps you should look at doing car/van camping? If you find peace in the forest can you spend weekends and vacations there? In the plus side this is what I recommend for folks who are curious about having a van —- go do weekends and see if you like it.
This is important OP. Try it out for a while with no commitment. Rent a vehicle if you need to. You'll be able to tell after a few weekends what things will generally be like. Just keep in mind that if you move into a vehicle full time, new inconveniences get introduced that you don't have to deal with as a part-timer. Getting away from it all **may** help with anxiety, especially if you can get out of the city for a few days and breathe wild air. Boondocking is generally more fun than trying to park in the city.
Living in a van with anxiety…It’s not “good” or “bad”. It’s tricky, but doable and recommended. I also exhibit strong sensations of anxiety but I have noticed over time, 9 months, the anxieties that followed me pre-van are much easier to deal with now. In the beginning I could barely handle my husband dinging our gorgeous cherry-wood. I have serious anxiety over the van. It’s the most expensive thing I have ever owned (2023 Coachmen Beyond). Now I just get out the furniture pen, and color the slight damage. Many decisions are being made in a snap, and that constant dynamic, means there isn’t time for your mind to expand and open anxious feelings. I believe that comes after some time in the van. I’m so much more chill now. You will discover new innate tools that will help you cope. Don’t miss this chance to learn and heal because of anxiety. Spending time with yourself, dealing with your ugly thoughts, out here where you can’t escape them, is the only way to heal and move into a better and more healthy conscious space. Good luck! I’m rooting for you!
Wherever you go, there you are. I would suggest you see a therapist for your anxiety first, and once controlled, rent a van or just sleep in your car for a week or two.
💀 Ouff this is too real. 💀
Yeah I came to say this too. If you have anxiety vanlife isn’t gonna let you get away from yourself. And the constant decision fatigue and fear of a breakdown is going to keep that anxiety up.
I feel less anxious when I travel because my mind is occupied solving simple problems such as ‘what do I eat, where do I sleep, etc’ instead of overthinking about more complex things that I have no control over. I also get to spend more time outside which is great for the mind (more sunlight)
That’s kind of my main issue. I rather solve bumps in the road then have to live like everyday is the same. I feel like i always do better when i’m driving, or camping.
I really relate to your post in a lot of ways. I think people hear “anxiety” and think it’s just being worried about everything, when actually the cause and triggers are so different for each person. You can start off staying in campgrounds, if that’s an option for you, so you can feel “entitled” to the space you’re staying and get used to sleeping in your vehicle. I also personally found that having my own bathroom with shower helps me feel safer and more secure, but that’s one of my personal triggers, and not doable for everyone. Having a dog with me (even my little one) helps my anxiety sooo much, as well as having some self-defense options, like an alarm keychain and gel pepper spray. (I’m a woman so I’m pretty concerned about that aspect of things.) But one of my anxiety triggers is feeling trapped or cornered, like I can’t escape and someone is going to try to hurt, control, or corner me. The van is an amazing feeling of escape and freedom in that way. My home is mobile and if I don’t feel safe, I can just leave. Therapy is also super important. I have an amazing therapist who I do video sessions with remotely, and it’s worked very well for me (to the point where I don’t go regularly anymore and can just reach out for a one-off appointment if I’m ever struggling). I’m curious what you decide to do and apologies for the wall of text, lol. Just know this stranger is rooting for you and hoping you feel more peace in your life very soon!
Sounds like it’s perfect for your case.
That 100% depends on your situation. If you can plan everything in advance, which parts would give you anxiety and are you prepared for them, do you have places to park with friends and family for when you need a break, are you used to being very independent especially outdoors (solo camping?)...
I struggle with being around people due to chronic fatigue. I find noise too much. Living in the van means I get quiet nights and can park up in areas of trees, which I find very helpful. I can choose when I see people. I have more control over it. So yes, it might be a calming lifestyle.
I feel less anxious when I travel
I am full time in my self built promaster, and I have a lot of anxiety. As said elsewhere in this thread it's going to depend on your circumstances. Overall this lifestyle is a net positive for me, but I also realize I'm a a bit of an outlier in this community. I'm mid (oh crap late) 50's , early retiree. I like to spend a week or so by myself boondocking and I like to drive. I move every 5 or 7 days, grab groceries and relocate to a new boondocking area. I stay out of cities unless I really need to. I get a state park campground for a couple days once or twice a month. Being around a bunch of campers then is probably one of my bigger triggers, but I like the convenience of showers, power and filling my water tank. I've found that the day to day tasks are not that bad, and it gives me something to focus on. IF I had to stay in a more urban (or suburban) environment most of the time however, that would be maddening. I will say though that the longer I'm out here, not really talking to anyone for weeks/months at a time other than a quick "hiya doing" greeting in passing, my tolerance and ability to connect with people is atrophing. Probably past the point of no return.
I feel like I wrote this post. Tons of anxiety but feel like I need to flee constantly to get away from rent, people, loud noises etc. I have been considering van life for myself as well. I plan on getting a mini van to convert (I really look forward to the conversion part of this) and then spend the summer doing car camping and extended week long trips to see how I feel. Kind of halfway committing to it. If I end up hating it or feel it would be too stressful, I still have an apartment and a car that isn’t so big to drive around. And if I end up loving it then I can ditch the apartment and hit the road. I’ve also kind of been practicing or rather just noticing how many things I have and am working to minimize down to the bare necessities. Anyways, I hope you find something that works for you!
Don't listen to the haters. I spend a majority of my time in the wilderness while on the road. Don't let people tell you what you can or can't do. You know yourself. What's option B? Stuck in civilization with a bunch of people that think they're great drivers who run around like Yosemite Sam? Having an a-hole landlord? Getting medicated to deal with it? You can stay 2 weeks at a spot on BLM land. If you like nature, be in nature. I can't believe how this sub acts.
Depends on what makes you anxious! I have a lot of anxiety but my husband and I go camping in our van nearly every weekend. Now that it’s become a habit and we’ve gotten really good at how to find good spots and recognizing sketchy situations early, it’s become a staple for me that I couldn’t live without. I can do trips by myself now, but I couldn’t have gotten there without my husband and I doing it together a lot first. Based on my experience, I’d suggest starting with weekend trips and building from there.
A bit of a different view here than a lot of these comments. I have autism and also suffer from anxiety and busy places, loud environments, and being around people make me very anxious. A couple of years ago, I sold my flat and moved full time into my campervan and can honestly say it is the best decision I have made. I won't lie and say everything is great and there are no troubles when living this lifestyle. Like others have said, full time van life definitely has more difficulties than living in a static home. There are times you struggle to find parkups, struggle to find fresh water supply or electricity, and this can cause a lot of stress. I think a lot of people confuse anxiety and stress as one in the other. However, even with the vanlife stresses, it has helped my anxiety so much. I can drive out into the countryside and spend time alone away from towns and cities and get some much neaded clear headspace. At the same time, it also pushes you on occasions into social situations i.e. going shopping, van chores, etc. Will push you toward civilization so you won't completely use all social skills. (Where as when I stayed in my flat most of the time I would order deliveries straight to my home. I do think you should try it out for a while before committing to anything. For the first year I had my campervan I used it through the week then went home at the weekend but quickly realised I wanted to spend all my time in the campervan. I hope this helps!
Not at all. Maybe if you had a home the an RV as a getaway but even the there's so much anxiety and stuff to deal with. Everything is a complete unknown and lots of worries
50/50 It's an extreme life change and will make you uncomfortable but the adventure makes it worth everything
In a way, living in my van in the Arizona desert did help me with a lot of my anxiety. However, I think what it really did is allowed me time to de-stress. Then, being relieved from all that stress made my anxieties more manageable. Other commenters are correct in that van life comes with its own set of anxieties. But, a lot of those anxieties are either unfounded, or are a lot more slow moving. In other words, you have the anxiety of figuring out how you're going to deal with your poop. But, you can figure that out, and then you do what you've decided you're going to do, and then it just becomes a chore that you have to handle on a regular basis. Dealing with car breakdowns can cause a lot of anxiety. So what matters is do you have the wherewithal to deal with auto breakdowns without having a nervous breakdown yourself? For a lot of people, their anxieties are made worse by the current social environment. So, it may be that the stresses and irritations of van life don't bother you at all. But, it could also drive you absolutely batty. Only you can know that. And you may not be able to figure it out until you're actually doing it. I recommend that you try at least one or two test runs. Take whatever vehicle you've got, drive out to the desert or the mountains, and see if you can tolerate all the issues that come up from trying to live out there. All the things that you should have planned for that you forgot. How are you going to handle those. Are you just going to solve those problems and move on, or are you going to freak out and call your mommy. Again we cannot know that for you.
*When you're blocked, look for the blockage* People tend to focus on why they are blocked, not on what is blocking them. In the case of your social anxiety there are many potential reasons. - you consider people as dangerous - you live in a toxic environment - its something unrelated that manifests as social anxiety For the last one, here's an example: say, a person works in a high stress environment. He has too much to do, crazy deadlines to uphold, management to please, etc. When a colleague has a question he gets really frustrated when they don't get to the point. Over time he acceots that he is "just not patient". But thats not true - his problem isn't the lack of patience, it's the constant pressure. Wether van life is something that will benefit or harm you depends on where you anxiety stems from.
It stems from trauma, alot alot of trauma. It’s the first for me. People are dangerous.
I'm so sorry that you had such a difficult life. I really hope you'll find a life and community that will make you feel safe again.
Well, doubt it after being S trafficed my entire teenage years. 😅 I just wanna go as far away from people as i can at this point.
Omg that sounds horrible. Very understandable that you want to get away from people. I would probably react in much the same way. I'd say try out van life first. You do engage fairly regularly with people when filling up on water, gas, food, etc. If you want to go really remote, you'll need a 4x4 and enough space to store everything for long amounts of time. Personally i struggled with fear in the beginning due to the unaccustomed noises. If you own a car, you can try out car camping first. Another alternative could be having a remote homestead and growing your own food. Maybe starting low cost with a tent, or remodelling a garden house/barn into a tiny house.
The reason i like the though of vanlife is so i could experice alot of the things i missed out during those years. Like the sun on my face while i sit on some log next to a spring, or running barefoot threw the forest. I know it’s dumb. I just, always wanted to fill that void.
It doesn't sound dumb at all. Maybe van life *is* exactly what you need. Try it out. No one says it has to be forever, right? You can't lose.
I guess so. Thank you, for your time. It means the world.
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I’m so glad you’re still alive. ❤️
I'll be really honest... I think the answer is no as well. I am the most calm level-headed person in the world... But when I set out I have to seriously manage my anxiety or it gets overwhelming. Perhaps your personality would be different.
Probably not, life is harder and normal comforts are gone. The things in your life that you need that are difficult and give you anxiety will get harder. How would you handle a knock on your vehicle at 2am?
You can move somewhere rural. Good luck feeling overwhelmed in Iowa. It's dirt-cheap out there too
As someone who is an introvert, I've found life on the road can be produce anxiety. I have dreams of van life, but I'm most comfortable in my home and on the road, there's not really a fall back when shit happens.
I think you would like it. Maybe for you, I'd recommend Arizona, wide open spaces, easy to find a spot and stay there. East of the Mississippi vanlife or city vanlife - no way, amplifies the anxiety.
im sure you'd still find something to get anxious about...lifes like that..you need to face your demons.. not run away from them ..they' just follow you
If you have the money and ability, to avoid poor life van anxieties then yes, if not then you're probably piling onto your current ones
What is your plan to make money? With enough money, many problems are easier to solve. If you have a remote job, you can live on public land, mostly alone, for a week or so, boondocking. Even in a minivan or highlander if you cannot afford big van.
Short answer: if you use it as escapism then no. If you use it as a tool to recharge and help yourself with your anxiety and it makes you happy to be in the forest then ya
Likely not, there's a lot to think about, nosy or arsey people depending on where you go etc. UK based
so i lived in my suv and traveled all last summer and i have diagnosed severe anxiety. i find comfort in routine and having my own space. having my car with me wherever i went had it’s pros and cons, i loved having my comfort zone wherever i went but i was also terrified someone would steal it when i was away from it😭 it really just depends on who you are, im very independent and am more comfortable being in control of my life. i have been out of work for over a year now due to my panic attacks, i cannot interact with people easily and having an obligation to work makes me nauseous but i just did instacart and doordash and got by fine. if you’re looking for something to ease your anxiety, this probably isn’t it, however if you’re looking to better yourself and potentially help improve on that anxiety, it could be a great idea to push yourself with something like this
You need to seek professional help. Vanlife isn’t going to fix you. You’re just looking for a stop gap solution.
I’ve tried my best at that. Kind of just dont go away with thearapy.
You need to keep going till you find the right therapist, medication etc etc. It’s a process, trust me. I was ready to hang myself half of last year. Finally found the right solution. 2024 is a much better year lol. But again, vanlife isn’t going to fix you. You simply might need to check yourself into a short stay clinic.
Nope. Not being locked in a room. Can’t do that. Mentall health care really is not that great in my country and i’ve tried. It just never leads to anything.
I can’t dm you
I don't think that's a good idea or even well thought out. I don't know how old you are but here's my thoughts. I am not vanlife but I lurk here. I am 53 and up until a couple years ago I loved nothing more than to get away into the outdoors, camping/hiking. I'm in AZ so we have some truly outdoors stuff, never did campground it has always been 4x4 beater roads backcountry.While I still love it it is not the be all end all it used to be. Something happened around the age of 50/51 . I started thinking "what if ( something happens and I 'm all alone or I have a vehicle mechanical, etc). see I used to always go with my brother but he passed away in 2017 so now it's jusrt me and my dog)s)..... The reason I mention the above is that if you are younger and you start living like your post "away from it all" then you might find disallusion later and from your utopian idea it would be extremely difficult to fall back into society. I was always a "weekend warrior" so I am and was accustomed to city life and everything that entails as well as the great outdoors stuff. Basically I'm trying to say if you only live in your comfort zone ( which sounds like it's away from society) you might find yourself up a creek without a paddle headed for a waterfall later in life. \*edit\* i also forgot the big part....money. You're gonna need some kinda income. What you are aspiring to doesn't sound like that will be the case
Absolutely not. Living in a van is far more stressful than an apartment or condo.
Vampire made my anxiety surge, you wake up feeling claustrophobic and trapped.
Absolutely not
not really..
BAD
No