Anxiety and Humor

Hey! I made this blog in 2012 to help create a safe, fun community for people who want to talk about mental health (specifically anxiety) and find ways to break stigmas while supporting recovery. Questions: anxietyandanswers.tumblr.com

[anxietyandhumor]

I feel sick, my boyfriend wants to kill himself and I'm doing a shit job at helping him I just can't make him see any positive and yet he feels I'm the only one he loves and can talk to... nothing I say is changing his mind and I'm so so scared

It’s not your job to change his mind. It’s normal to care for him and want to save him but sadly that’s not a burden anyone can handle. Be there for him and feel free to call 911 if he’s in danger. 

[anxietyandhumor]

End of Summer Anxiety

Hey! I know the end of summer can be a very stressful time. I’m currently getting ready to go to college/university and the stress of going back to school is getting to me. Just a reminder to take care of yourself even when you have a lot on your to-do list! Remember that it’s ok to take time to do what you need to do. stay strong!

[anxietyandhumor]

I've been having weird thoughts like thinking I need to become trans in order for people to believe I actually have something wrong with me. My thoughts get out of hand sometimes and I feel like I'm not normal. What do I do about this shit?

Hi! I realize this answer is super-cliche, but if there’s anyone in your life you feel comfortable talking to about it, do so. I would also recommend writing down your thoughts so it’s easier to process them. stay strong! <3 

[anxietyandhumor]

Would you please post this?  I know I had already messaged you awhile back, but we still need more participants for our study. It could immediately help lots of your followers (or even possibly yourself), the research could then help many more people, and we would also really appreciate it!  

The University of Montana is conducting a research study on the online treatment of depression and anxiety in teens. Participants can learn strategies which may help them cope better with their emotions and worries. The program is *free*, will take about an hour, and you can even receive a $10 gift card for trying the intervention program.  It is based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) principles, and was developed by Australian National University in 2004.  You must be 18-19 years old to participate. Visit our study website for more information and to sign up: www.onlineteenstudy.org.  Thanks!!

[anxietyandhumor]

After tragedies, it’s important to remember that it’s ok to stay off of the news and social media if it’s triggering your anxiety or depression. There’s nothing wrong with doing what you need to to stay ok. It’s not ignorant or selfish to stay away for a couple days. Stay strong!

[anxietyandhumor]

feeling anxious for no reason

[anxietyandhumor]

hey guys! i’ve been posting answers to questions on anxietyandanswers.tumblr.com but I still get a ton of questions in this inbox and i’m concerned people asking don’t see them. i need you guys’s help in deciding if i should keep questions over there or post them on here on a queue so i don’t blow up anyone’s dashboard. anyways, like this message if you want me to answer questions on THIS page. i love you guys!! <3 

[anxietyandhumor]

Literally I feel like I'm going insane. I got this weird voice randomly in my head while I was trying to finish school work. I can't mimic the voice at all and I've never heard it before but it just kept saying "Shrop sharp Shrop sharp" over and over again even while I'm thinking about something else, I heard it. I even asked the people in my house if they could hear it. No one did. Just me. It didn't go away for an hour. I didn't even get to finish my assignment. :(

Hi there! I know that is scary but you are going to be ok. It’s good that you recognized what was going on. Try talking to your family and seeing a counselor or doctor if it persists. However, if it only happened once and it isn’t bothering you, I wouldn’t worry about it- our brains do strange things sometimes. But if it’s recurring or upsetting you, definitely try to talk to someone. Stay strong!

[anxietyandhumor]

I have never had a good relationship with food, but what really frustrates me is my brain can't decide if it loves it or hates it. When I'm going through a stressful time in my life, I never know if I'm going to rely on food for comfort or if I am going to suddenly lose my appetite completely! It's so unpredictable that I don't really know how to prepare for it. My lowest weight has been 94lbs and my highest 160lbs. I honestly wish my brain would stick to one thing!

Hi! My advice is to talk to your doctor. I know it’s scary, but when it comes to things like this, it’s so important to. They’re trained to help you and if they don’t, try to see someone new. You deserve to feel healthy and there are people who can help you do that. I know it’s frustrating but it will be ok, hang in there!

[anxietyandhumor]

End of the year stress

Hey guys! I know for a lot of us it’s the end of the school year (this is my senior year of high school, so I’m crazy busy, which is why I haven’t posted in a while) and I know it can make anxiety worse. For me, my illness gets worse any time I have a lot of stress or things to do. It’s the worst. My intrusive thoughts and worries skyrocket any time I really need to be thinking about something else. Anyways, here’s what’s helped me during this crazy time of year.

1. Take a rest. Take a bath, take a nap, read, go for a run (or not)... Resting almost always helps me when I’m feeling overwhelmed with anxiety. When my brain and body are overworked, my OCD and anxiousness get worse. Remember to take a break, even for 10 or 20 minutes. Even listening to a podcast and doing the dishes helps me because it gets my mind off of my daily tasks, even if it’s just for a few minutes.

2. Remember to do the things that are helpful to you. It’s easy for me to forget to take my medication or practice breathing and other techniques that make me feel better. If you regularly see a therapist, don’t stop going due to business. Your mental health is vital to you-- don’t disregard it in the name of not having time.

3. Talk about it. Reach out to someone who understands. Let them know you have a lot on their plate and it’s affecting your mental health. People are awesome and they will help out.

I hope everyone has a fun and stress-free end of the year! 

[anxietyandhumor]

Anxiety & Business

I’ve been busy lately. I’m about to finish high school, and in my culture, that comes with parties and tests and meetings and all kinds of things that make my head spin. Business is somehow equated to happiness in our world--I’ve even heard phrases like “happiness walks on busy feet” and “when you rest, you rust”. This, to me, has proven to be BS. A life without rest and free time is no life at all. I’m learning to say no, I can’t take that extra shift at work and no, I can’t go to that thing tonight.  It’s ok to gently turn things down that cause your stomach to knot up. It’s ok to take a break from anything, just like I’ve been taking a break from this blog (I’m slowly but surely coming back). So, if you need a break from anything you don’t absolutely need for survival, take it. Be kind, be gentle, and be honest-- with others and yourself. If you’re too busy, it can cause more anxiety, not happiness.

[anxietyandhumor]

My friend has schizophrenia and is suicudal I don't known what to do to help her

I’m sorry you’re in this situation! #1 thing to do is not put this burden on yourself or feel like the world is in your hands-that’s way too much pressure for anyone. If you think she’s in immediate danger don’t be afraid to call 911 or the emergency number in your country-they’re there to help. Try talking to your friend and keeping her calm while you get her help, whether it’s a family member of hers, Doctor, etc. she might be unhappy with you if you tell someone but it’s better her be upset with you than her harm herself. Stay strong!!!

[anxietyandhumor]

“can’t you just get over it?”

[electrologie]

Please reblog. There is a text version of the suicide hotline. Help is out there. Stay strong. I’ve been there. Asking for help is NOT a sign of weakness. Stolen from ImgUr.

[howtogrowthefuckup]

Yep, it’s called the Crisis Text Line and they have a lot of other great resources on their website (link).

Additionally, there’s a chat service through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (link).

[opossumguy]

emotional troubleshooting

checklist (start here):

are you: tired?

hungry?

dehydrated?

have you taken your meds?

have you had enough socialisation?

or enough alone time?

do you feel grimy/dirty/greasy/uncomfortable?

ideas for sensory comforting:

sitting in warm sunlight

walking bare foot on grass

sucking on a hard candy

chewing gum

listen to white noise

take a shower in the dark

lay under a heavy blanket(s)

important stuff: What you’re feeling is valid. If you can name it then you can get closer to controlling it. Is it a healthy feeling? Where’s it coming from/what triggered it? What can you do about the source to help the feeling pass or eliminate the issue? 

[anxietyandhumor]

Hello! This isn't spam I promise! I'm a design student at Emily Carr University in Canada, and I'm making a mental health magazine for my thesis. The lack of safe discussion space for mental health is discouraging. This magazine will establish an artistic-based platform to share and connect with others. I'm looking for people to submit stories and artwork influenced by their experiences. Would you mind posting this publicly? Thank you so much! I hope to hear from you all soon! :)

[anxietyandhumor]

5 Mental Health New Years Resolutions

1. Find a relaxing hobby. Whether it’s coloring (trendy for a reason), yoga, jogging, journaling, etc.,  finding a hobby that’s about relaxation and nothing else is hugely beneficial and helpful when it comes to anxiety and overall mental health.

2. Make a point to talk about mental health. This can be personal- with a doctor, therapist, or close friend, or it can be public for the sake of erasing stigma. Tumblr has an incredible mental health community and joining it really changed my life for the better.

3. Sleep more. Not getting enough sleep is draining and overall bad for your health. Try starting a relaxing nightly routine (something I need to work on) and getting your work done a little earlier (or later in the day if it means sleeping later). 

4. Treat your body well. Mental and physical health are intertwined. Try finding a form of working out that you don’t hate (there’s a million options- walking, running, yoga, jazzercise, dancing...). Also, try eating food that makes you feel good. This doesn’t mean obsessing over health, but just making yourself feel physically healthier can affect your mood and wellbeing greatly.

5. Spend more time with friends and family. One of my resolutions this year is to worry LESS about schoolwork. This is the opposite of what most people would say, but it’s so important to give yourself a break and cherish the people you love. Try eating dinner with your family/friends more and making an effort to spend more time with others.

Stay strong!

-Annie