Anxiety Hit Hard – Here’s How I’m Protecting My Peace
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and I barely made it through. While the internet was posting tips and checklists, I was dreading June. Because June means birthdays (4 including mine!), milestones, family events… and this year, it also marks 10 years since I started this blog.
And I wasn’t okay.
Taking care of my mental health isn’t new for me – it’s been part of my journey for years.
But this time, my anxiety hit hard. It was loud, heavy, and I knew deep down I couldn’t ignore it.
I wanted everything to feel fine without starting over with a new therapist or adjusting meds… but it wasn’t fine. And pretending wasn’t helping.
Therapy and medication are lifelines for so many of us living with anxiety, depression, or just the weight of it all – and I’m grateful they exist.
As much as I didn’t want to share this online while I’m still in the middle of it, I know these are the conversations that need to be had. Even after 10 years of blogging, the stigma is still there. And silence doesn’t help anyone heal.
So instead of pretending, I’m sharing what I actually did to care for my mental health before heading into the busiest month of the year.
If you’re feeling behind, burned out, or bracing for summer chaos – I hope this helps.
Here’s what I did to protect my mental health:
- Found a new mental health provider and got new meds: my old one isn’t covered with my new insurance and it’s not an easy process to start over, so I’d been putting it off.
- Made myself stay hydrated
- Worked through my feelings: I always say to work through your feelings just don’t live there. Not living there was a challenge for me this past month but I did the best I could by journaling, crying it out, listening to meditations and hypnotherapy, and talking with the people that support me (close friend, fiancé, my sisters, and my coach).
- Got outside for sunshine and fresh air: even a few minutes during my lunch break helped.
- Moved my body more
- Gave myself so much grace
I don’t feel totally in control of my anxiety yet, but these things have helped in the past so, I know they’ll help again. Having a plan and taking action makes it easier because I know it won’t feel so heavy soon.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed during a time that’s supposed to feel joyful – you’re not alone.
Mental health doesn’t check the calendar and healing isn’t linear.
When everything feels messy we can still care for ourselves. We can slow down, ask for help, drink the water, go outside, and choose peace.
If this resonated, I hope you walk away with a few simple tools to support your mind. Remember that getting help actually takes strength and you are so, so worth it.
If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please contact the 988 Lifeline by calling or texting 988.
You are not alone. You are loved.
