An Anxious Girly’s Hacks to Surviving a Festival
(Or any large, crowded event.)
As many of you know, I recently attended Bonnaroo 2023. Though I’d been to many festivals in years past, both camping festivals (like ‘Roo, I’ve been to Okeechobee many times, Firefly, Camp Bisco, etc.) and hotel, off-site festivals-- but this year felt a little different.
I’ve been pretty open about how my mental health took a turn for the worst around a year ago when a surprising hormonal health issue cropped up for me unexpectedly, so for the last year I’ve been working extra hard on getting back to my most optimal mental and physical health. That said, festivals are something I’ve always enjoyed, but I knew getting back into them after a year of on-going anxiety attacks and health issues wouldn’t be easy.
But, you know what? I’m so glad I did it. I’m so glad I decided to get back to something I love, anxiety and all still somewhat present with me-- I’m glad I felt the fear and did it anyways, because it felt (and still feels like) a step toward reclaiming my life from a year of near endless panic and worry.
If you’re someone who also used to enjoy festivals but haven’t been in a great place lately, or if you’re someone who struggles with an anxiety disorder but would love to attend more festivals and other large, hyper-stimulating events, here are some tips to “feel the fear and do it anyway,” and how to not only survive, but thrive, and enjoy yourself-- anxiety be damned.
First off, don’t push yourself too hard
One of the first nights at Bonnaroo, Friday night, I decided against pushing myself to see a couple additional sets I felt I physically (and as such, mentally) wouldn’t be able to handle after a day spent in sweltering sun and large, loud crowds. And guess what? I’m glad I turned in early that night and didn’t push myself too hard, because the rest of the weekend I had a renewed energy and enthusiasm about the festival and felt rested up and ready to rage (which, erm, I *especially* did at Korn’s set).
That said, “feel the fear and do it anyway”
Was I worried my anxiety might creep in during the festival? Yep. Did it try a couple of times to break through? Yep. But guess what? I did the damn thing anyway. I went, I had a fantastic time, and I took it at my own pace and leisure-- because, after all, festivals are about good music and good fun, and it’s your own journey to navigate however you see fit (as long as you aren’t hurting yourself or anyone else).
Be prepared
Similar to what I do in the office to beat back sudden waves of anxiety, I brought some of my essential anxiety busting tools, vitamins, and other hacks along to the festival with me. Having that extra layer of preparation “just in case” really paid off in the end, IMO.
Bring your support system
Don’t go it alone. That’s a pretty generally sound rule when dealing with any mental illness, but at festivals it’s especially important to attend with people you can trust and depend on. You’re in the wilderness among thousands of strangers listening to music and dancing all weekend long, likely without any cell service, so it’s always best to use the buddy system and go with friends or other loved ones who will truly show one another some support to survive and thrive throughout the festival.
Additional tips to cope if anxiety creeps in
Sometimes, anxiety creeps in seemingly for no reason. When that happens, use your tried and true tips that can help (even at a festival)--
Find a quiet, cool place to decompress if you get overwhelmed. Yes, even at festivals these can be found-- it’s okay to step out of the crowd from time to time to go reset if you need to!
Eat well and stay hydrated. Dehydration has been scientifically proven to compound and worsen anxiety-- so drink a lot of water, y’all.
Use the buddy system. Again-- I would never recommend going solo to a festival. Bring at least someone, if not a group, of people you love and trust along with you to share in the fun and support one another when needed.
Last but not least, don’t ever do something that makes you truly, viscerally uncomfortable. Festivals aren’t for everyone, and that’s okay. Don’t push yourself too hard-- but also try not to let anxiety keep you from doing things you truly want to do, and truly enjoy (like, in my case, going to festivals). It’s been a rough year, but I’m glad I’ve taken steps to aid myself in coping with my panic disorder, and reclaimed bits of my life I missed the most.
It’s a daily battle (and some days are better than others), but it does get easier with time, self-care, and practicing your coping mechanisms regularly. And, most of all, just remember-- you don’t have to deal with anxiety, it has to deal with you, and you’re stronger than you know.
Xoxo,
MM.
