Healing Through Self-Care
Navigating the Storm: My Journey Through Anxiety and Depression
There have been days, even weeks, when the weight of anxiety and depression pinned me to my bed. Life outside those walls felt unmanageable, and simple tasks seemed like insurmountable obstacles. It wasn’t just exhaustion—it was a sense of hopelessness, of feeling stuck in a place so dark that even imagining a way out felt impossible.
I remember a particularly difficult period when I had to take stress leave from work. At first, I felt guilty—like I was somehow failing. But as the days passed, I realized I wasn’t just taking time off. I was giving myself a chance to heal. It was during this time that I began to confront the darker corners of my mind and take deliberate steps toward managing my mental health.
One of the most transformative tools I discovered was EFT tapping (Emotional Freedom Technique). Tapping gently on pressure points while speaking affirmations or releasing pent-up emotions brought a surprising sense of calm. Paired with meditation and sleep hypnosis, it became part of my daily routine. These practices taught me how to quiet the chaos in my head, even if just for a moment, and gave me the courage to sit with my feelings rather than run from them.
Another lifeline has been journaling. For years, I carried memories and regrets that felt like chains around my ankles. Putting those thoughts on paper helped me see them more clearly and, over time, let them go. Journaling has been a process of self-discovery, allowing me to unpack the baggage I’d been carrying and find peace in letting it sit outside of me.
Of course, none of this would have been possible without the love and support of those closest to me. I’ve leaned on friends and family during my darkest moments, and they’ve reminded me that I’m not alone. Therapy, too, has been a cornerstone of my healing. It’s not just a space to talk—it’s where I’ve learned the tools to challenge negative thoughts, reframe my mindset, and continue growing every single day.
The journey is far from linear, and there are still hard days. But now, I face them armed with tools that bring me peace, a support system that holds me up, and the understanding that healing is an ongoing process.
If you’re reading this and struggling with anxiety or depression, please know you’re not alone. It’s okay to take the time you need, to lean on others, and to invest in yourself. Healing isn’t about never feeling pain—it’s about finding ways to live alongside it while still holding onto hope.
xo B
