OCD & Anxiety Travel Well: Why You Can’t Outrun What Lives Inside

OCD & Anxiety: Why You Can’t Outrun Them (And What to Do Instead)
By Matt Codde, LCSW – Restored Minds

Are you searching for ways to finally escape OCD and anxiety? Many people hope a change in environment—a new job, a fresh relationship, a dream vacation—will bring the peace they crave. The truth is, no matter where you go, OCD and anxiety travel well. Here’s why—and what you can do about it.

The Myth of Escapism

We often believe that fear, OCD, or anxiety are problems caused by something outside of us. That if we switch our routines, move to a new city, or keep ourselves constantly entertained, we’ll leave those uncomfortable feelings behind. But, as I’ve learned personally and as I share with my clients, “wherever you go, you bring yourself with you.”

The urge to escape is normal—and of course, it’s healthy to travel and seek new experiences! But if your goal is to run from your anxious thoughts and feelings, you’ll find they pack themselves right into your suitcase. You can’t distract or busy yourself enough to fully outrun what’s happening inside.

Why Fear and Anxiety Follow You

Fear isn’t something happening to you; it’s something happening within you. It stems from your beliefs, your emotional state, and how you respond to those emotions. If you avoid, suppress, or run from fear, it only grows stronger and bubbles to the surface—no matter where you are.

When you’re traveling or seeking a change in scenery as a way to escape these feelings, it often “rears its ugly head” and can even ruin what should be enjoyable experiences. Trust me, I used to fill my schedule, constantly staying busy, hoping I could keep my anxiety at bay. But I learned the hard way: you can never run away from yourself.

The Path to Real Recovery

So, what’s the alternative? Real progress comes from facing your fear and anxiety head-on. That means recognizing these aren’t external issues, but internal ones. The strategies for overcoming OCD and anxiety are not gimmicks; they involve real, practical actions to break the fear loop and change your relationship with those feelings.

It’s not about doing this alone—guidance, support, and proven tools are essential. But the key is to stop hoping your environment will solve everything for you. Transformation begins when you address what’s inside, rather than waiting for the perfect moment or environment.

Bring Peace with You—Don’t Search for It

Wouldn’t it be refreshing to travel or try new experiences already feeling secure, peaceful, and safe? Imagine bringing a calm, confident version of yourself wherever you go, instead of wishing the environment would give that to you.

This is the real goal of OCD and anxiety recovery: to cultivate inner peace so that you don’t need a vacation from yourself. Activities, trips, and new experiences become richer and more fulfilling not because they fix you, but because you are bringing your best self into them.

In Summary

• OCD and anxiety travel with you—you can't outrun them

• Escapism, whether through travel or staying busy, is only a temporary distraction

• Real change comes from addressing your fears head-on with the right tools and support

• Inner peace is something you take with you, not something you find outside yourself

Ultimately, the work lies in changing yourself—not your situation. And when you do, everything you experience becomes more fulfilling. If you’re ready to stop running and start healing, explore our resources and get the guidance you need to start your recovery journey.

For more support and resources, visit Restored Minds.