rESOURCES & TIPS

If you or someone you love needs immediate assistance, dial 911 (US), 112 (Europe), or 988 (Canada).

  • CHILL OUT - The person that suggests “just relax” or “calm down” does so out of concern. However, that does not dismiss our overwhelming need to slap our forehead and proclaim “Well, there’s something I never tried! Watch out, Freud!” However, taking a bag of frozen vegetables, an ice pack, or a bag of ice and placing it at the nape of your neck forces an already chaotic mind to focus on the immediate cold instead of the pervasive thoughts. Even standing outside in the cold forces your body to focus on surviving the cold.

  • MOVE - Physical activity releases a critical neurotransmitters and hormones. Doing (or attempting) ten push-ups can help diminish overwhelming thoughts.

  • MEDITATE - One does not need to be a Tibetan monk to meditate. Hyperfocus on two things: clearing your mind and listening to your own heartbeat. Meditation takes practice and is helpful even when things are “good.”

  • TREAT YO’ SELF - A hot shower or a long bath can be wholly transformative. We know that water is crucial to life; therefore, get plenty of it. Also, a playlist of calming music (stop trying to convince yourself that Cannibal Corpse or NWA relaxes you) can help quell certain feelings. Also, having something like your favorite bubble gum can be just enough of a treat to mitigate certain overwhelming thoughts or feelings.

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  • BREATHE - (Yes, I know if you’re here you’re breathing.) Slow, deliberate inhalations through your nose and slow, deliberate exhalations through your mouth.

  • TALK IT OUT - If someone is around that can help you talk through what you’re feeling, it provides those suffering an outlet to “own” the feelings and it also empowers and educates those that want to help you.

  • MEDICATE -If a medical doctor has provided you with a prescription that is meant to “take the edge off” or “calm” you, recognize those times when medication isn’t a dirty word. Yes, we all want to be stronger than our diagnosis; however, we can’t always easily bring ourselves “down.”