I have an invisible disability. Flying is extra stressful, and other travelers don't understand why.

12.03.2024 - 00:53 / insider.com / Airlines

I was at the airport, and lines were building up at the entrance to the jetway. There had already been several delays and I was getting nervous. Would I miss my connection? Would there be enough overhead space for my bags? Will they serve water? These questions vexed me for what felt like an eternity until I finally heard the announcement that we'd be boarding soon. When the airline called boarding for people with disabilities, I felt a sigh of relief. Although the check-in person looking at me questioningly — my disability is invisible.

Traveling can be stressful for everyone, but even more so for me, as I have bipolar disorder. External stressors like delays and even snarky passengers make dealing with the condition much harder. But it's something I've had to learn to manage, especially after my husband and I moved from Chicago to Singapore 12 years ago. I travel between the US and Asia at least twice a year, along with regional travel in both the States and Southeast Asia. These flights range between 90 minutes to almost 20 hours.

Bipolar is a mood disorder that affects more than 40 million people worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. The condition is characterized by extreme mood swings between depression and mania and can affect behavior, especially in high-stress environments.

I take a variety of medications to keep these swings and symptoms — like high anxiety and paranoia — at bay. I need the meds every day, so it's always the first thing on my packing list. This presents the first of several challenges I've unpacked over the years.

When I travel, I have to carry enough medication to last the whole trip, plus extra in case of delays. Many of my trips are long, especially the ones to the US, so it can take up a lot of space. Whether short or long, it's important for me to carry a letter for customs, written and signed by my psychiatrist.

The letter describes what my medications are — as well as the doses and why I take them — in the event that I get stopped. This is because mood-altering drugs — called psychotropics — are noted as illegal without a prescription. Many countries, including Singapore and the US, have strict laws on carrying this kind of medication.

I've managed to plan ahead the best way I can, always packing the letter in my carry-on, carrying enough meds for at least two extra weeks, and having a doctor on call in case I need more.

Traveling with children is stressful. Full stop. Other travelers don't want to be around you in case of crying, airline staff get fed up with having to do more for you, and you yourself don't get much rest at all. These challenges are exponential with bipolar disorder because stress, especially with other people, is a real trigger.

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