I know how you feel.

I watched some REALLY scary videos when I was about 8, and now I get stressed at every turn, every time, every day. I keep thinking that something from those videos was following me, and I still think that. I even have to sleep with my light on because of that. But I've almost gotten over it. Even if you're scared to say it, if it's your friends, they'll still want to be friends with you.

I was depressed last week about a lot of things (mainly coronavirus...), and it totally stinks. But I figured out that it was just PMS, but it was really bad whlie it lasted. I have also always been a worrier, mostly about things that make zero sense.

I'm always embarrassed to say it, but yoga helps.

I get stressed some times too. Whether it be because I have a lot of schoolwork that I am behind in, a failed cooking project, or something else I do get stressed. I also have found that just rereading a book that I love and know really well helps.

Side note: please don't think that I am stupid. 

I've never come outright and said this before, but anxiety, stress, and some other mental health things are a huge part of why I took my hiatus from the CB in the first place. So I know what you and everyone else is going through-- I can both sympathize and empathize. I'm also going to say that if any of y'all ever need to come talk to somebody, you can feel free to find me here or on YWP and I'll always be here for you. Having someone to talk to was not something that I had when I was going through a lot of this, and I know it would have helped me a lot. I don't want to go into my issues right now, since this is neither the time nor the place, but I do have some general advice for anyone who struggles with anxiety, depression, or stress!

-Someone really wise once said to me that a lot of problems can be helped with "a nap and a snack". It actually does work, too. If you feel like you are angry or that you hate everyone, eat something. If you feel hollow or like everyone hates you, take a nap. There's some funky science behind that that I've never looked into, but it does work.

-Have a support system! We on the CB can help, but it's even better to have a system of people irl who you can talk to and who can support you. Your friends, teachers, a school counselor, siblings, parents, coaches, anyone like that you can trust. Keeping your feelings bottled up inside of you makes everything feel worse-- trust me. Talking to someone helps. If you don't feel like you can, try writing a letter. It doesn't have to make sense. What matters is that you get your feelings heard. Personally, if I'm writing my thoughts or anxieties down, I like to use a big, bold, black Sharpie. There's something so satisfying about seeing the thick lines. It's like it helps organize things a little more, I don't know, I've never tried to explain it before.

-If you're feeling stressed about deadlines or school or anything along those lines, try making a list, or a lot of lists. I make lists all the time to help me keep everything in order. That way I don't have to worry about forgetting about something or worrying about getting things done in time. Making a to-do list helps you prioritize things, and it's very satisfying to cross things off. It makes you feel like you're doing something productive. You can even schedule things for certain times to make it into a routine and it gives you a sense of control over the situation. Along those same lines, the more little steps you plan out, the more you feel in control. So if you're stressing because you have to finish your chores and homework by a certain time, don't just make a list with two items saying "chores" and "homework". Break it down. Write down each chore, maybe even in the order you want to do them in, as well as each piece of homework you have to do. Having a sense of control over the situation can definitely help.

-If you're feeling stressed, anxious, or depressed over something having to do with the LGBTQ+ community, try finding like-minded people to talk to. You can see if there's a GSA (gender-sexuality alliance) at your school or at a community center. Just know and remember that you are seen, and you are loved! 

-If you feel like you're having an attack (panic, anxiety, etc) or your thoughts are racing so fast that you just feel overwhelmed, put on some music. I have a particular playlist that I put on when I'm feeling overwhelmed or when I feel a panic attack coming on. Having something to focus on really helps. I've also heard that you can hold an ice cube in your fist or in your mouth, or draw on yourself. Someone I know likes to be read aloud to. Just do something that your brain can focus on, instead of focusing on how stressed you are. Don't be afraid to cry. It does not make you weak. I'm a very tactile person, so having someone hug me tightly also definitely helps. Pressure also helps calm anxiety, so if you have a weighted blanket, wrap yourself up in it. If you don't, you can have someone hug you, or you can even just bury yourself under tons of blankets and pillows. 

Those are the main tips I can give you for now, I think. Everyone is a little different, so some of these things might work for you, some of them might not. The one thing I really do want to stress is to have a support system of people who love you. As always, stay safe and stay healthy!

~Starseeker 

@Everyone, I just want to say, anxiety and stress isn't something that any of us would ever judge you for! So many people have to deal with it, including lots of CBers, and it's not something that makes you different or stupid or something that you should be looked down upon for. We all have different problems we have to deal with, so please don't ever feel scared to talk about things or ask for help or advice because we're all here for you and would never ever try to make you feel bad about it. <333

Nite and everyone, nobody is going to treat you differently because of stress or anxiety, least of all here. Your feelings and things you go through are valid. I also struggle with anxiety, and I have some tips and things I do that usually help.

Reading a book can help if you want to distract yourself, it can sometimes be easier to just step away.

Counting and breathing exercises are a good way to calm down and focus on something, and it's a more mobile coping mechanism if that makes any sense. I sometimes recite nursery rhymes or the ABC's as well.

If you have people who make you feel loved and comfortable, try talking to or even just being around them. I find that hugs always help if they're from the right person.

Sometimes you do just need to cry, and that's perfectly okay. Don't bottle up your emotions, if you need to let them out, do it.

Try to stay away from unhealthy coping mechanisms. I have some that I know aren't good, but I'm working on it, which is another thing to keep in mind- your mental and emotional health is so, so important, and you should take care of yourself and get help if you need it, whether that be from a professional, from your family, or from your friends.

Remember, you are all loved and if you need support in any way shape or form, you have a community here waiting to help! Take care of yourselves! *hugs*

*hugs*