As we observe Mental Health Awareness Month this October, I want to take a moment to raise awareness about a condition that has deeply affected my life. Since being diagnosed with Bipolar Depression Type II in 2018, I’ve learned a lot about the challenges of mental health and the importance of understanding and support.

Depression is a serious mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While it’s tempting to believe that a change of scenery can magically lift the weight of depression, the reality is far more complex. Many people cling to the idea that traveling can provide a quick escape from their struggles, but is that really the case? Can a tropical getaway, a road trip, or a European adventure cure something as deep and multifaceted as depression?

In this article, we’ll explore the myths surrounding travel as a remedy for depression and provide a grounded perspective on whether or not traveling can truly offer an escape. We’ll dive into five key examples of where traveling might help, where it could make things worse, and, ultimately, what role travel can play in managing mental health.

My Story: Living with Bipolar Depression Type II

Growing up, I’ve always been an achiever—I passed the board exams for Nurses in the Philippines and NCLEX on my first try, and I’ve been promoted quickly in my previous jobs, often in less than 1.5 years. I’m naturally competitive and outspoken, known as the ‘blunt friend’ who isn’t afraid to speak my mind. I’ve always been curious, sometimes even overly so, and I’ve never tolerated seeing people mistreated—I’m the person who speaks up and stands up for others. My friendly nature has occasionally been misunderstood as flirting.

Since dealing with depression, I’ve noticed changes in myself. While I’m still outspoken and have strong opinions, I’ve become more passive in many aspects of my life.

As someone who used to be quite extroverted, I’ve noticed that all the social interactions can be exhausting at times. I loved being the center of attention and never hesitated to strike up conversations with strangers. I had a wide circle of friends and acquaintances, and I’d always greet them when we bumped into each other.

These days, though, I find myself feeling a bit more reserved. I truly value my alone time and enjoy talking to fewer people. Lately, I prefer to spend my time reading or writing rather than going out.

A few times, I’ve struggled with thoughts of ending my own life. And even attempted a couple of times.

I used to be incredibly active—I climbed mountains weekly, participated in running events three times a month (often half or full marathons), and enjoyed pole dancing and aerial silk. My weekly routine also included hitting the gym four times a week for boxing and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. I’ve explored solo travel extensively, visiting 44 provinces in the Philippines during my trips. On top of that, I taught drumming on weekends and sometimes in the evenings on weekdays. Being idle has never been my thing—I get restless when I’m not busy.

Nowadays, the treadmill my aunt bought back in January is still sitting in its box, untouched.

Bipolar Depression Type II is characterized by mood swings that range from depressive episodes to periods of hypomania. When I’m experiencing depression, it feels like the world is covered in a heavy blanket of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in things I once loved. But when my mood shifts to mania, the contrast is striking: I feel euphoric, bursting with energy, and sometimes overly irritable. These mood swings can make it difficult to sleep, affect my energy levels, and even impact how I think and make decisions.

One of the most challenging aspects of living with Bipolar Depression is the unpredictability. Mood swings can happen rarely or frequently, and they can last for days or even weeks. In between these episodes, some people—like myself—experience periods of emotional stability. Others may find that they swing between these moods more often, or even feel both depression and mania at the same time.

What My Episodes Look Like

When I experience a hypomanic episode, I often feel like I’m on top of the world, but this comes with its own set of difficulties. Some of my symptoms during manic phases include:

• Excessive spending: I tend to make impulsive purchases that I later regret.
• Decreased need for sleep: There are times I can go an entire day without sleep and still feel wired.
• Easily distracted: My mind jumps from one thing to another without much focus.
• Excessive energy: It feels like I have an endless supply of it, even if I haven’t rested.
• Rapid speech and racing thoughts: My thoughts move so quickly that it’s hard to keep up.
• Overeating: I notice an increase in my appetite, and I often eat more than usual.
• Poor judgment and impulsivity: For instance, in 2016, I impulsively quit my job on a whim, without thinking it through. Jumped off cliffs because I felt invincible.

On the flip side, my depressive episodes are like sinking into quicksand:

• Overwhelming sadness: The sadness can be so intense that it feels inescapable.
• Low energy and fatigue: Even the simplest tasks feel impossible.
• Lack of motivation: I lose the drive to do things I used to enjoy.
• Loss of enjoyment: Hobbies and activities that once brought me joy no longer hold any appeal.
• Insomnia: Despite feeling tired, sleep often eludes me.
• Drug misuse: There were times when I’d take sleep-inducing medications (and sometimes, it didn’t work).

Why This Awareness Matters

Talking about mental health openly is important because many people are dealing with conditions like mine, but they may not have the words to explain how they feel. By sharing my story, I hope to shine a light on what it’s like to live with Bipolar Depression and encourage others to seek support if they’re struggling. Whether you’re someone who is personally affected or you know someone who is, understanding and compassion go a long way.

Remember, mental health is just as important as physical health, and it’s okay to seek help when you need it.

Myths on Depression and Travel

Myth 1: “A Change of Scenery Will Fix Everything”

One of the most common misconceptions is that simply leaving your current environment will miraculously heal your mind. Many people imagine that if they just go somewhere new, somewhere beautiful, their depression will melt away. While a change of scenery can provide temporary relief, it is far from a cure.

Example 1: Temporary Distraction vs. Long-Term Healing Let’s say you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by work stress and personal struggles. You book a trip to Bali, thinking that lying on a pristine beach will fix everything. And for the first few days, it might feel like it’s working—you’re distracted by the beautiful scenery, the culture, the food, and the sheer novelty of being somewhere new. But after the initial thrill fades, the underlying issues that caused your depression start creeping back in.

Distractions, like traveling, may help ease symptoms temporarily, but they do not address the root causes of depression. Returning home after a trip might bring back the same feelings of sadness, anxiety, or hopelessness. Depression is a deeply internal condition, and while travel might provide a brief break, it isn’t a long-term solution.

Myth 2: “Traveling Will Give You a Fresh Start”

Another popular myth is that traveling gives you the chance to reinvent yourself, to escape your problems and start fresh in a new location. It’s a romantic idea: imagine hopping on a plane and becoming a brand-new person in an exciting destination.

Example 2: Problems Follow You Wherever You Go Consider someone who moves to a new city in hopes of leaving behind their depression. They arrive in the new place full of hope, only to find that the same feelings of loneliness and despair follow them. This is because depression isn’t tied to a place—it’s tied to you, your thoughts, and your emotions. The excitement of new surroundings can quickly wear off, leaving the person in the same mental state they were in before they left.

This myth is particularly dangerous because it sets unrealistic expectations. Many people feel let down when they realize that traveling or relocating doesn’t solve their mental health struggles. The “fresh start” they were hoping for doesn’t come, and they may feel even worse when they see that their depression persists, no matter where they go.

Myth 3: “Traveling Will Give You Purpose”

It’s common for people with depression to feel like they lack purpose in life. The myth that travel can give you a sense of direction, passion, or meaning is pervasive. Many believe that traveling will help them find themselves or discover what they’ve been missing.

Example 3: Travel Can’t Create Meaning Out of Thin Air Imagine someone who has been feeling lost in their career and life, hoping that traveling through Europe will give them clarity. They set out with the idea that visiting famous cities, museums, and landmarks will ignite a spark of purpose. But after a month of wandering, they find that they’re still unsure of what they want, still battling the same feelings of emptiness.

The truth is, travel doesn’t automatically lead to self-discovery. It can be a catalyst for reflection and personal growth, but only if you’re actively working on yourself. Finding purpose is an internal process, one that involves self-reflection, therapy, and sometimes, deep emotional work. Simply changing your location isn’t enough to provide that kind of transformation.

Myth 4: “You’ll Meet People Who Will Help You Feel Better”

The idea that travel introduces you to wonderful people who will change your life and help you overcome depression is another hopeful but misleading myth. While it’s true that travel can open doors to new relationships, expecting these people to cure your depression is unrealistic.

Example 4: Loneliness on the Road Let’s say someone decides to backpack through South America, hoping to meet kindred spirits who will lift them out of their depression. While they might meet friendly people along the way, they soon realize that loneliness can still creep in, even in the most social settings. Meeting new people can be uplifting in the moment, but it doesn’t always address the deeper sense of isolation that comes with depression.

Furthermore, building meaningful relationships takes time, effort, and emotional vulnerability, which can be challenging for someone already battling depression. Travel can expose you to new people, but those connections may not necessarily translate into deep, supportive relationships. In fact, some travelers report feeling more isolated when they return home, having left behind fleeting travel friendships.

Myth 5: “Adventure Will Make You Happy”

The final myth we’ll debunk is the belief that adventure and excitement will pull you out of depression. People often think that if they just push themselves to try thrilling activities, they’ll snap out of their funk and start feeling happy again.

Example 5: Adventure Doesn’t Erase Emotional Pain Consider someone who struggles with depression and signs up for an adrenaline-pumping adventure like skydiving or mountain climbing. They may feel a temporary rush of excitement, but once the activity is over, they might find themselves crashing emotionally. The thrill of adventure can mask depressive symptoms momentarily, but it doesn’t provide the deep healing needed to overcome depression.

What’s more, some people find that high-intensity experiences exacerbate their depression, especially if they feel disappointed when the thrill wears off. The contrast between the high of an adventure and the low of returning to everyday life can be jarring, and it may make depressive feelings even more pronounced.

When Can Travel Be Helpful for Mental Health?

While it’s clear that travel alone cannot cure depression, that doesn’t mean it can’t play a positive role in mental health management. Travel can be beneficial if approached with realistic expectations and used as part of a broader mental health strategy.

1. Travel as a Mental Break: For some, travel can offer a temporary reprieve from stress. Short vacations or trips might help alleviate symptoms of burnout or overwhelm, especially if combined with mindfulness, self-care, and mental health support.
2. Travel as a Tool for Reflection: Going on a solo trip or spending time in nature can create space for introspection. If you’re working with a therapist or have a strong support network, travel might provide an environment where you can reflect on your experiences in a more peaceful setting.
3. Travel and Building Resilience: Some people find that stepping out of their comfort zones and facing challenges during travel helps them build emotional resilience. Overcoming obstacles while traveling can boost self-confidence, but it’s important to ensure that you’re in a stable enough mental state to handle the pressures of travel.

Conclusion: Travel Can Help, But It’s Not a Cure

In summary, travel is not a magic cure for depression. While it can offer temporary relief, new perspectives, and even moments of joy, it is not a replacement for professional treatment or long-term strategies for managing mental health. Depression is a complex condition that requires support from therapists, medical professionals, and loved ones.

However, if you’re already working on your mental health and feel stable enough, travel can be a part of your self-care routine. It can provide you with the opportunity to take a break, reflect on your life, and even enjoy a bit of adventure—just don’t expect it to do all the heavy lifting. Keep in mind that true healing comes from within, not from a plane ticket.

Final Thoughts

As we debunk the myths surrounding travel and depression, it’s important to recognize that mental health journeys are personal. What works for one person may not work for another, and that’s okay. The key is to approach travel with awareness, realistic expectations, and a willingness to seek help when needed. Travel may provide a temporary escape, but lasting recovery requires more than just a change of scenery—it requires ongoing self-care, support, and sometimes, professional intervention.

How To Manage Depression

Now that we’re on the topic of depression, I’d like to share a few tips that help me manage during tough times.

1. Seek Professional Help: Consult a therapist or counselor who specializes in mental health to discuss your feelings and receive personalized guidance.
2. Establish a Routine: Create a daily schedule that includes regular sleep patterns, meals, exercise, and activities you enjoy. Routine can provide structure and stability.
3. Stay Active: Engage in physical activities like walking, yoga, or any form of exercise that you find enjoyable. Exercise releases endorphins, which can help improve mood.
4. Practice Relaxation Techniques: Incorporate relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or mindfulness exercises to reduce stress and promote calmness.
5. Connect with Others: Maintain social connections with friends, family, or support groups. Talking to others can provide emotional support and reduce feelings of isolation.
6. Set Realistic Goals: Break tasks into smaller, manageable goals to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Celebrate achievements, no matter how small they may seem.
7. Limit Stress: Identify stressors in your life and develop strategies to manage or minimize them. This may involve delegating tasks, saying no to extra commitments, or seeking practical solutions.
8. Monitor Your Thoughts: Challenge negative thoughts and replace them with more balanced or positive perspectives. Cognitive-behavioral techniques can be helpful in changing thought patterns.
9. Nurture Yourself: Engage in activities that bring you joy or relaxation, such as hobbies, creative pursuits, or spending time in nature.
10. Consider Medication if Needed: If recommended by a healthcare professional, consider medication as part of your treatment plan. Medication can help rebalance brain chemistry and alleviate symptoms.

Remember, managing depression is a journey, and it’s important to be patient with yourself. Seek support from loved ones and professionals, and don’t hesitate to reach out for help when needed.