Hello.

So I thought I would write an entry about some things that help me when I’m struggling with my anxiety and depression.

This is not an all-inclusive list and sometimes there are things that work, and others that won’t. A lot of it is trial and error, which can be very frustrating when you are in place where it’s hard to function.

1. Someone To Lean On.

This can be one of the hardest things, especially if you don’t have a reliable support system. Even if you do it can be hard because as I have found, it’s difficult to admit your own weaknesses. I have always stood in a place where I want to help everyone around me. I would sacrifice my own time, health, money, and sometimes even happiness to help people I care about. Though I make sacrifices of my own, I have found it difficult to turn around and let someone help me when I need it. With time and practice I have gotten better at it.

My mom has been my rock through everything, and though sometimes I hate burdening her with my problems she has been an invaluable support. The one think I have found is that just because you need someone to lean on, doesn’t mean you have to go into a discussion about why you feel the way you do. What is going on in your mind. Or what has happened to trigger those feelings. Just having the presence of someone nearby so you don’t feel isolated and alone.

I will admit that there are not always times where it’s possible to be near someone who offers some kind of comfort. When and if you can – reach out. Find someone to talk to through text or a phone call. Don’t shut yourself off from the world.

2. Items to Ground You.

One thing that I have found helps a lot when I am really anxious is finding something familiar that can ground me. When the anxiety and/or panic attacks hit it’s hard to focus on anything.

For me, my go-to items are blankets and pillows. I have three very soft blankets in my favorite soothing color – gray. I have a larger body pillow, and a couple smaller pillows that are shaped funny. I also have a plush hoodie that I will put on as well during those crazy moments.

They are really simple items but I cling onto them rather tightly in those moments. Of course they only really help if I have them with me.. and since about 40% of my panic/anxiety attacks happen outside of the home; well as you can imagine I’m sometimes away from these items. There are other items that I carry with me at all times and in another post I will share them with you!

3. Hydrate.

An easy thing to forget when it feels like the world is crashing down around you. I believe it’s a crucial part of self-care.

Tea, is my weapon of choice when battling my moments of anxiety and depression. there are a couple varieties I go to on a consistent basis.

Chamomile – My favorite variety so far is one by Stash, though really any variety will do in a pinch. Chamomile I know has a reputation for sometimes making people sleepy. For me however it is just soothing. On my bad days I can drink a couple cups in the morning or afternoon with no delay. Even if I just have the inkling of being off balance I will make myself a cup – with some honey. It works as a good preventative, and it’s an easy way to stay hydrated without feeling like you are drowning in plain water.

Honey Lavender Stress Relief Tea by Yogi – My second favorite tea for helping me relax. It has the flavors of lavender, chamomile, and there is some honey to sweeten it already. So if you do make yourself a cup go very light on the sweetener – honey or sugar; or you may end up making it too sweet. My mom actually came home with this tea one day after I had a couple of bad episodes, and though it doesn’t make the “symptoms” completely disappear it eases things a little.

Of course besides these ideas, don’t forget to drink lots of water and try to stay away from anything with caffeine.

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I will leave the list here for now, and will be back another day to add more to the list. If you have any questions or if there is anything you would like to read or see more of please let me know. Thank you for reading and don’t forget to share this post with your friends!

Stay Strong!

-Brianna