My Flight to Freedom: Leaving Anxiety Behind.

From low to high in the sky!

Vancouver, BC. Photo by Author

One of the most thrilling adventures I’ve had was flying on a seaplane in Vancouver, BC. But more than being new and exciting, my decision to get on the plane was monumental in my recovery from the anxiety that had gripped me so harshly during the years prior.

In 2009, I was diagnosed with general anxiety disorder and depression. I was in a terrible place, and my world was small during that time. If you are interested in reading more, you can see a previous article here $ https://medium.com/@kirstencopy/dear-anxiety-sufferers-i-see-you-653eff3ead41$

But as I took the necessary steps to improve my mental health and stopped turning every event into a potential catastrophe, my husband and I decided it was time to go on a trip. We flew from California to Seattle, WA, and spent a few days there, enjoying all the sites and falling in love with the city’s vibe. From Seattle, we boarded a train that took us to Vancouver — an experience I’d highly recommend to others.

---

We splurged and booked a hotel room with a waterfront view. One of the most mesmerizing things we observed was the seaplanes that harbored there. For days, we watched (and heard) them come and go, to and from port.

One morning, we were trying to decide how we wanted to spend the day, tossing around various options, when my husband looked out the window and said, “How about we go on a seaplane?” Without missing a beat, I replied, “Sure!” We were both astonished by my immediate answer, and we stared at one another for a second before my husband responded with, “Really? You do?” and I burst into laughter, shocked and delighted that I did mean it.

---

Once our decision made, and our tickets were purchased we boarded the small seaplane and spent the next hour zipping over the water, the mountains, and the city before skimming back to the port on the seaplane’s legs, safely back in the harbor.

Arial View of Vancouver. Photo by author.

This experience is so memorable to me for a few reasons.

1. I flew on a plane that took off and landed on water, for crying out loud!

2. My mind felt free — I was healing, and the giddiness and fun that I had enjoyed before my diagnosis was finally returning.

3. I was part of a group. I had been self-isolated for so long that I had forgotten the simple joy of being around others. Spending time with and learning about people from other parts of the world is a delight.

   
   
   
   

---

Six months before this trip, it was unlikely that I would have boarded that seaplane. Being anxious and depressed sucks the life out of you. It still blows my mind that I found myself flying high, soaring through the skies, when I had been so low, and life had previously felt so grim.

Depression and anxiety do not have to be permanent fixtures in your life. Help is available, and adventure is waiting for you, my friend.

Be well.

P.S. Even if you’re not trying to overcome a mental health roadblock, I highly recommend a seaplane adventure if you ever have the chance.