The I Feel Down Topic.

[Shaggy_Dog_]

Hi guys, I’m feeling really stressed and it’s because of a trip I’m making next week.

I’m going on my first overseas solo trip next week, a while back I found an absolute bargain priced return from Stansted to Gothenburg which I thought would make for a great visit to Liseberg. I live in the North East so I planned for a journey down to London with a visit to Thorpe Park and Chessington on either side of my flights. Coach travel down and hotels have all been booked and it should have been a nice easy trip. However my fear was always if a rail strike was called for that period and that’s exactly what has happened and I’m finding myself getting stressed about the disruption. I’m getting the overnight night coach from Newcastle and arriving at Victoria at 7am on the 15th and the plan was to go over to Thorpe as I have a hotel booked in Staines for that evening, and then the next morning (the 16th) getting an early train back in to central London and then the Stansted Express in order to get my flight. But obviously now the strike is called for the 15th (and Stansted Express are advising customers to avoid travelling with them until after midday on the 16th which is no good for me). I’m feeling really anxious about things now, I think it’s the uncertainty of how I’m going to get around or what will and won’t be running. My fear is of not being able to get to the airport in time and then being completely screwed. Everything I’ve booked is non-refundable as I was on a budget and I do feel worried about how things are going to turn out and how I’ll have to get around. I just feel so frustrated because if the way that the rail strike is messing my plans up and adding that layer of uncertainty to a trip that was nicely planned out before. The idea of potentially having to get from Staines to Stansted by multiple buses trying to get to an airport on time is not a very calming one!

 

[Burbs]

Hi guys, I’m feeling really stressed and it’s because of a trip I’m making next week.

I’m going on my first overseas solo trip next week, a while back I found an absolute bargain priced return from Stansted to Gothenburg which I thought would make for a great visit to Liseberg. I live in the North East so I planned for a journey down to London with a visit to Thorpe Park and Chessington on either side of my flights. Coach travel down and hotels have all been booked and it should have been a nice easy trip. However my fear was always if a rail strike was called for that period and that’s exactly what has happened and I’m finding myself getting stressed about the disruption. I’m getting the overnight night coach from Newcastle and arriving at Victoria at 7am on the 15th and the plan was to go over to Thorpe as I have a hotel booked in Staines for that evening, and then the next morning (the 16th) getting an early train back in to central London and then the Stansted Express in order to get my flight. But obviously now the strike is called for the 15th (and Stansted Express are advising customers to avoid travelling with them until after midday on the 16th which is no good for me). I’m feeling really anxious about things now, I think it’s the uncertainty of how I’m going to get around or what will and won’t be running. My fear is of not being able to get to the airport in time and then being completely screwed. Everything I’ve booked is non-refundable as I was on a budget and I do feel worried about how things are going to turn out and how I’ll have to get around. I just feel so frustrated because if the way that the rail strike is messing my plans up and adding that layer of uncertainty to a trip that was nicely planned out before. The idea of potentially having to get from Staines to Stansted by multiple buses trying to get to an airport on time is not a very calming one!

Right, it'll be *really* difficult and/or expensive to get from Staines to Stansted without the trains. My first suggestion is, do you know anyone in/near London who you could pull in a favour from and get them to drive you to the airport?

Otherwise, the only thing I can think of is, can you just cut your losses and get a coach to Stansted either on the 16th or on the 15th and get a cheap hotel nearby? Unfortunately there's not an easy answer to this. I'm going away on the 17th with a couple of others from here - another rail strike day - and it has screwed them over with getting down to Heathrow. Fortunately they've managed to arrange a lift and I live in London anyway. But yes, it's really unfortunate.

 

[Shaggy_Dog_]

Right, it'll be *really* difficult and/or expensive to get from Staines to Stansted without the trains. My first suggestion is, do you know anyone in/near London who you could pull in a favour from and get them to drive you to the airport?

Otherwise, the only thing I can think of is, can you just cut your losses and get a coach to Stansted either on the 16th or on the 15th and get a cheap hotel nearby? Unfortunately there's not an easy answer to this. I'm going away on the 17th with a couple of others from here - another rail strike day - and it has screwed them over with getting down to Heathrow. Fortunately they've managed to arrange a lift and I live in London anyway. But yes, it's really unfortunate.

Thanks for the reply, I appreciate your suggestions. Sorry to hear that some other guys have have their plans affected as well but it’s good to hear that they’ve been able to make alternative arrangements.

I was feeling very stressed about this yesterday but I’ve slept on it and I think I’ve come up with an alternative plan that might work. From when I arrive at Victoria coach station on the morning of the strike day (the 15th) I should be able to take four buses over to Staines. I can go to Thorpe and have a few hours there (I’m wondering if it might be extremely quiet there) and then go back early to my hotel in Staines and get some a few hours sleep in. Then rather than staying overnight I’ll just leave at say 11am and get the buses back to central London and then get a National Express coach to Stansted from Victoria, I can grab one at say 2am and get to the Airport for 4am on the 16th. Way earlier than I need to be there and it means I lose a proper nights sleep but I think maybe it’s worth it rather than having the stress of trying to get from Staines to Stansted all by train in the morning when the companies are advising that there may still be disruption until midday. How does that alternate plan sound, does it seem feasible? I just really don’t fancy the anxiety of not knowing how bad disruptions might still be and having to be constantly watching the time.

 

[Burbs]

Personally I'd cut Thorpe out altogether - it is completely the wrong side of London to Stansted. Remember though that TFL services are unaffected on these dates so you should still be able to use the Tube, and maybe the Elizabeth Line (unsure) to get closer to where you need to be.

 

[Plastic Person]

I flew into London on the day of a rail strike last month, and as in your case, the Stansted Express was down. However, I took a National Express coach to Stratford Westfield as an alternative, and it was an absolute doddle, even on a Saturday. It helped that I was already heading in the direction of East London, but it was as easy as the train and certainly preferable to the tedious coaches to and from Victoria.

I would also ditch the Thorpe element of this trip, especially with four (!!) buses in the equation. I know that's probably an annoying prospect, given how far you've travelled from the North East alone, but it'll feel worth it when you arrive at Liseberg well rested.

 

[QTXAdsy]

Well then, have to let this off my chest but here we go.

As you know, me and my gf of 5 years split up back in May and even though I'm slowly trying to not think about her as I know that sets me regretting so much of what might have been and all that...however it does mean that I've been feeling lonely.

Yes, I have a large and accepting family and small circle of friends IRL who I know are always there for me, but romantically I'm empty and have never really been the same since the split. I honestly wonder after two fail relationships if I'm actually meant for it and while perhaps I would reluctantly accept that maybe being single is what I'm heading towards, I look back on several friends who have all since gotten married and had kids (Hell, one school friend I know has only gotten married recently at WDW!) And seeing all of them where they all are makes me wonder if I've wasted a lot of my life away.

Yes, I have three nieces of my own I love dearly yet while my sister has done well for herself, I don't think I have. I'll try looking for another relationship but if that comes to nothing, well, I'll just have to accept the facts and just keep moving on for what I do...can't say it's depressing but rather a grim realisation of my current state and what will happen for me. I know I might give of an image on here as a happy and informal person yet I can only keep up this image for so long as I have to keep going without reminding myself of my faults.

Yeah, I needed to let that out. I just hope many of you will be accepting of that.

 

[Matt N]

I am sorry to hear that you’re feeling this way @QTXAdsy; if you ever need someone to talk to, my PMs are always open.

 

[JAperson]

ll then, have to let this off my chest but here we go.

As you know, me and my gf of 5 years split up back in May and even though I'm slowly trying to not think about her as I know that sets me regretting so much of what might have been and all that...however it does mean that I've been feeling lonely.

Yes it's a shame, I can imagine it's really hard when you've been with someone for so long. There's no point looking on what could've been, only what can come.

es, I have a large and accepting family and small circle of friends IRL who I know are always there for me, but romantically I'm empty and have never really been the same since the split. I honestly wonder after two fail relationships if I'm actually meant for it and while perhaps I would reluctantly accept that maybe being single is what I'm heading towards, I look back on several friends who have all since gotten married and had kids (Hell, one school friend I know has only gotten married recently at WDW!) And seeing all of them where they all are makes me wonder if I've wasted a lot of my life away.

Oh course your meant for it! It's clear your a caring and selfless person from what you put on hear, you're forever friendly and accepting of everybody's opinions. Don't put yourself down just because of what everyone else has done/got. You are just as deserving as anyone else.

es, I have three nieces of my own I love dearly yet while my sister has done well for herself, I don't think I have. I'll try looking for another relationship but if that comes to nothing, well, I'll just have to accept the facts and just keep moving on for what I do...can't say it's depressing but rather a grim realisation of my current state and what will happen for me. I know I might give of an image on here as a happy and informal person yet I can only keep up this image for so long as I have to keep going without reminding myself of my faults.

I really feel for you here. It's hard watching people around you have what you want. You can do it mate, there's no reason you can't find someone who you really do care about. You are clearly a great person who cares so much. It's clear by how you've reacted to all this, that you simply care. Never change.

Yeah, I needed to let that out. I just hope many of you will be accepting of that.

Oh course, it's always great to get something off your chest. As much as we've only had the odd conversation I can tell what a lovely person you are, look after yourself mate, it's needed! My PM's are always open, if you want someone to talk to, please don't hesitate.

 

[Skyscraper]

Well then, have to let this off my chest but here we go.

As you know, me and my gf of 5 years split up back in May and even though I'm slowly trying to not think about her as I know that sets me regretting so much of what might have been and all that...however it does mean that I've been feeling lonely.

Yes, I have a large and accepting family and small circle of friends IRL who I know are always there for me, but romantically I'm empty and have never really been the same since the split. I honestly wonder after two fail relationships if I'm actually meant for it and while perhaps I would reluctantly accept that maybe being single is what I'm heading towards, I look back on several friends who have all since gotten married and had kids (Hell, one school friend I know has only gotten married recently at WDW!) And seeing all of them where they all are makes me wonder if I've wasted a lot of my life away.

Yes, I have three nieces of my own I love dearly yet while my sister has done well for herself, I don't think I have. I'll try looking for another relationship but if that comes to nothing, well, I'll just have to accept the facts and just keep moving on for what I do...can't say it's depressing but rather a grim realisation of my current state and what will happen for me. I know I might give of an image on here as a happy and informal person yet I can only keep up this image for so long as I have to keep going without reminding myself of my faults.

Yeah, I needed to let that out. I just hope many of you will be accepting of that.

Sorry to hear that mate. It's always good to get things off your chest, even though it's hard. My DM's are also open if you ever need to chat.

 

[QTXAdsy]

I am sorry to hear that you’re feeling this way @QTXAdsy; if you ever need someone to talk to, my PMs are always open.

Yes it's a shame, I can imagine it's really hard when you've been with someone for so long. There's no point looking on what could've been, only what can come.

Oh course your meant for it! It's clear your a caring and selfless person from what you put on hear, you're forever friendly and accepting of everybody's opinions. Don't put yourself down just because of what everyone else has done/got. You are just as deserving as anyone else.

I really feel for you here. It's hard watching people around you have what you want. You can do it mate, there's no reason you can't find someone who you really do care about. You are clearly a great person who cares so much. It's clear by how you've reacted to all this, that you simply care. Never change.

Oh course, it's always great to get something off your chest. As much as we've only had the odd conversation I can tell what a lovely person you are, look after yourself mate, it's needed! My PM's are always open, if you want someone to talk to, please don't hesitate.

Sorry to hear that mate. It's always good to get things off your chest, even though it's hard. My DM's are also open if you ever need to chat.

Thanks guys, glad to see you are accepting of my situation. Regarding DM's/PM's I'm not honestly the one who asks first but rather would get a message from someone first as yes, I'm quite shy at starting conversations first so actually saying what I had to say here is step out of my comfort zone.

Another reason why I'm saying this is that tomorrow is my Grandmother's birthday tomorrow, she'll be 96. No, don't worry, she's healthy for her age and happy living her life in the care home she's in but she suffers from dementia and she doesn't remember who I am and I was very close to her and more so as she is my last remaining grandparent and to think that all the memories she has of me is gone is upsetting for me and probably set up my feelings over my failed relationship situation.

As I write this down, I honestly didn't realise how much I truly had on my chest before letting it out on here. I honestly have no clue what to think about it but once again, thanks for the support from all of you.

 

[Burbs]

Hi guys, I’m feeling really stressed and it’s because of a trip I’m making next week.

I’m going on my first overseas solo trip next week, a while back I found an absolute bargain priced return from Stansted to Gothenburg which I thought would make for a great visit to Liseberg. I live in the North East so I planned for a journey down to London with a visit to Thorpe Park and Chessington on either side of my flights. Coach travel down and hotels have all been booked and it should have been a nice easy trip. However my fear was always if a rail strike was called for that period and that’s exactly what has happened and I’m finding myself getting stressed about the disruption. I’m getting the overnight night coach from Newcastle and arriving at Victoria at 7am on the 15th and the plan was to go over to Thorpe as I have a hotel booked in Staines for that evening, and then the next morning (the 16th) getting an early train back in to central London and then the Stansted Express in order to get my flight. But obviously now the strike is called for the 15th (and Stansted Express are advising customers to avoid travelling with them until after midday on the 16th which is no good for me). I’m feeling really anxious about things now, I think it’s the uncertainty of how I’m going to get around or what will and won’t be running. My fear is of not being able to get to the airport in time and then being completely screwed. Everything I’ve booked is non-refundable as I was on a budget and I do feel worried about how things are going to turn out and how I’ll have to get around. I just feel so frustrated because if the way that the rail strike is messing my plans up and adding that layer of uncertainty to a trip that was nicely planned out before. The idea of potentially having to get from Staines to Stansted by multiple buses trying to get to an airport on time is not a very calming one!

You may be in luck. The RMT strikes on the 15th and 17th have been suspended due to the period of national mourning following the Queen's death, so you should be good to travel as originally intended. I still recommend checking thoroughly though!

 

[NuttySquirrel]

You may be in luck. The RMT strikes on the 15th and 17th have been suspended due to the period of national mourning following the Queen's death, so you should be good to travel as originally intended. I still recommend checking thoroughly though!

Yes but Thorpe Park might decide they have to close as a mark of respect!

 

[Shaggy_Dog_]

You may be in luck. The RMT strikes on the 15th and 17th have been suspended due to the period of national mourning following the Queen's death, so you should be good to travel as originally intended. I still recommend checking thoroughly though!

The ironic thing is that on Thursday night I finally managed to juggle things around, and sort out some different accommodation based on writing off the Thorpe and Staines part of the trip and then this happens, the strikes are off!

I had realised that you guys were definitely right with your advice, it wouldn’t have been worth the stress, so I made plans to visit Thorpe separately at the end of the month. Looks like I’ll be visiting twice then now (so long as nothing else happens!). Thanks again for your help, I appreciate it, and I definitely feel less stressed than I did a few days ago.

 

[Matt N]

Yes but Thorpe Park might decide they have to close as a mark of respect!

Last night at least, Thorpe Park said they were opening today, for what it’s worth.

 

[Poisson]

Having a pretty torrid time of it and yesterday was the straw that broke the camel's back. I've abandoned my holiday to not bring everyone else down who I was with and it's all just a bit rough at the moment. I'm getting help but it's a bit of a drag. Nearly gave up entirely last night.

 

[JAperson]

Having a pretty torrid time of it and yesterday was the straw that broke the camel's back. I've abandoned my holiday to not bring everyone else down who I was with and it's all just a bit rough at the moment. I'm getting help but it's a bit of a drag. Nearly gave up entirely last night.

I hope you feel better soon mate, look after yourself. If you need someone to talk to feel free to message me. Look after yourself.

 

[Matt N]

Sorry to hear that you’re feeling low @Poisson. I hope you feel better soon, and you can always PM me if you ever feel the need to talk to someone.

 

[NuttySquirrel]

Having a pretty torrid time of it and yesterday was the straw that broke the camel's back. I've abandoned my holiday to not bring everyone else down who I was with and it's all just a bit rough at the moment. I'm getting help but it's a bit of a drag. Nearly gave up entirely last night.

That's rubbish, sorry you're having a crappy time. PM me if you want it to chat it out. I'll be at Oktoberfest next Sat as well if you're still thinking of going

 

[Matt N]

I apologise for retreading old ground or talking about something utterly inconsequential in the grand scheme of things… but I just feel the need to vent this morning, if that’s all right with all of you.

I had a driving lesson this morning, and to be frank, my driving was absolutely abysmal today. Today’s lesson felt really bad, like I was literally going back to square one, and it’s made me feel pretty demoralised.

For starters, my steering was pretty poor (my driving instructor herself even said this); we were driving along roads with lots of parked cars on the I side of them, and I was really struggling with all of the weaving in and out of them and speeding up and slowing down, but it even felt really bad on the easier roads. It felt like my instructor was constantly helping me steer by edging me away from the edge of the road or steering me away from the middle of the road.

Then we went onto parking practice… where it took me 3 tries to get into a space. I also kept forgetting things like observations, and braking when I was reversing out (we had numerous moments where I reversed out too fast and she had to brake for me).

Not to mention, I had a very near miss with a van slowing down to pull into a lay-by because I didn’t react quickly enough, and she also criticised my suddenness of braking and accelerating, saying I needed to be less anxious and uptight when driving.

Sorry for the rant, but I’m just feeling a bit dejected… I’ve had 12 lessons now, and I don’t really feel like I’m getting any better. Hopefully next week’s lesson isn’t quite as bad, but I’ll admit I am losing faith that I’ll ever learn to drive…

The thing that makes me feel even more dejected is that I’m doing automatic driving, so I don’t even have gears to contend with…

 

[Nick🎢]

From memory, and your mileage may be different (excuse the pun) it doesn't really start to gel until closer to 20h and then it never really does. It won't be natural and a muscle memory thing until well into flying solo.

The old cliché - "you learn to drive and then you learn to drive".

What I am saying is - what you are describing sounds perfectly "normal", it will come.