Frequently asked Q's

• Can travelling affect my mental health?

  Yes. Travel can improve wellbeing for some people, but it can also create challenges.

  Travel may help by:

  • Providing a break from daily pressures.
  • Connecting you with others.
  • Building confidence.
  • Offering new experiences.

  Travel may be challenging because of things like:

  • Anxiety about the journey.
  • Sleep disruption.
  • Busy or unfamiliar places.
  • Loneliness or homesickness.
  • Unexpected delays or changes.

  Everyone's experience is different.

  You can find more about the following things on our webpages below:

  • Anxiety disorders
  • How can I improve my sleep?

• How can I prepare for a trip if I have a mental health condition?

  Planning ahead can reduce stress and help you feel more in control.

  You could:

  • Think about what helps you stay well.
  • Consider situations that might affect your mental health.
  • Keep important phone numbers with you.
  • Tell someone you trust about your plans.

  Steps you can take to prepare:

  ✅ Check travel arrangements early
  ✅ Pack enough medication
  ✅ Keep important documents safe
  ✅ Save emergency contact numbers
  ✅ Think about coping strategies that work for you
  ✅ Find out how to access support at your destination

  
  The government has published helpful information on Mental health abroad. It gives useful advice on:

  • planning to travel, 
  • options for help abroad,
  • support from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), and 
  • returning to the UK.

  The government have also published a Mental health support abroad: advice by country guide. Find the country you are travelling to in the A-Z list for specific advice for that country.

  Bipolar UK has helpful information on Bipolar disorder and international travel.

   

• Can I take my mental health medication abroad?

  Usually yes, but some countries have rules about certain medicines. 

  Before travelling:

  • Check the rules for your destination.
  • Carry medication in its original packaging where possible.
  • Take enough medication for your trip.
  • Keep medication in your hand luggage if you are flying.

  Check with your travel provider:   

  • if you need documentation to enable you to carry medication, 
  • ask what kind of container it should be in. This is important if you are taking liquids and gels and travelling by air. 

  What documents might I need?

  A prescription or letter from your GP or healthcare professional may help.

  Some countries may require extra paperwork for certain medicines. Check requirements well before travelling.

• What should I know about travel insurance?

  Travel insurance helps protect you if something goes wrong on your trip. Like getting ill, losing luggage, or cancelling your holiday. It can help pay some of the extra costs, so you do not lose lots of money.

  If you have a mental health condition, travel insurance may cover it. But cover varies between policies.

  Before buying insurance:

  • Read the policy carefully.
  • Check what medical conditions are covered.
  • Make sure information you provide is accurate.

  If you are unsure, ask the insurer for more information.

  If you have a mental health condition, finding insurance can sometimes be challenging. But several insurance providers offer specialist insurance cover for people with pre-existing mental health conditions. You can find out more on the Mental Health and Money Advice website.

• How can I manage anxiety about travelling?

  Small practical steps can make travelling feel easier.

  Before you travel:

  • Plan your route.
  • Allow extra time.
  • Learn about the place you are visiting.
  • Pack things that help you relax.

  During your journey:

  • You can use breathing exercises.
  • Listen to music or podcasts.
  • Take breaks when possible.
  • Focus on one step at a time.

  When you arrive you can:

  • Establish a routine.
  • Stay connected with supportive people.
  • Make time for rest.

  Mind have helpful advice and information on How to adjust your mental health when travelling.

• What if my mental health gets worse while I am away?

  Try to get support as early as possible.

  Signs you may need support include:

  • Major changes in mood.
  • Difficulty sleeping.
  • Increased anxiety or distress.
  • Feeling unable to cope.

  You could:

  • Contact someone you trust.
  • Speak to local healthcare services. See Mental health support abroad: advice by country guide for information on healthcare services by country.
  • Contact your travel insurer, if appropriate.
  • Follow any wellbeing or crisis plan you have.

  You can find more about the following things on our webpages below:

  • Stress – How to manage it: Causes, symptoms, and support options
  • How can I improve my sleep?

  What if I experience a mental health crisis abroad?

  You can contact:

  • Local emergency services, if you are at immediate risk.
  • Local healthcare services. See Mental health support abroad: advice by country guide for information on healthcare services by country.
  • Your travel insurer.
  • Someone you trust.
  • You could contact a local mental health helpline:
  • You can search international mental health charities on CALM’s website.
  • You can search for international suicidal thoughts helplines on Open Counselling's website

  A lot of our guidance and tips in our Self-help guides for urgent help will still be useful if you are abroad.

   

• What about alcohol, recreational drugs, and travelling?

  Travel can sometimes involve alcohol, nightlife or changes to your normal routine. These things can affect people in different ways.

  Alcohol and recreational drugs may affect:

  • Your mood and emotions.
  • Your sleep and energy levels.
  • How well you cope with stress or anxiety.
  • How some medicines work.

  If you take medication for your mental health, alcohol or recreational drugs may:

  • increase side effects, or 
  • affect how well your medication works. 

  You should speak to your pharmacist, GP, or healthcare professional if you are unsure.

  It may help to:

  • Know how alcohol affects you.
  • Be aware of any advice about alcohol or drugs that comes with your medication.
  • Try to maintain healthy sleep habits where possible.
  • Make choices that support your wellbeing.

  Everyone's experience is different. Think about what helps you stay well to enjoy your trip safely.

  On our webpage you can find out more about Drugs, alcohol, and mental health.

• Does travelling abroad create any extra challenges?

  International travel can add extra pressures.

  How can time zones and sleep affect me?

  Changes to sleep can affect mood, energy and concentration. Try to maintain healthy sleep habits where possible.

  How can language and cultural differences affect me?

  Communication difficulties and unfamiliar customs may feel stressful. Planning ahead may help you feel more confident.

  How can I stay connected to support?

  Take important contact details with you. Think about how you will communicate with friends, family, or support services while away.

  Can I travel if I am receiving mental health support?

  Often yes, but it may help to discuss plans with your care team.

  Talk to your care coordinator or healthcare professional before making travel plans if:

  • If you receive support from an NHS mental health team, have a care plan, or 
  • Are on a Community treatment order (CTO)