[Andrea Lopez]

I am currently in the process of trying to get a grip on my anger, so I don’t have any kinds of tips but from recent experience, I have been taking deep breathes and walking away (if possible in the situation) when I feel I am becoming enraged. I know it sounds too simple, but it really does make a difference. I also have been trying to apply what Susan said about telling myself if this will matter in a couple of years. Although, I will admit I’m not quite there yet at times.

 

[Andrea Lopez]

Yes, I totally understand where you’re coming from Ashley and Amy. I live with a roommate and it always just seems like everything falls into place for her while I feel like I have to work twice as hard. I have felt this way my whole life but I have accepted it as well and tell myself that when I do reach my goals (or love, or the career, etc.) I will appreciate it twice as much. It isn’t easy to have confidence but I’m learning to give myself more credit and trusting that things will work out one way or another.

[Andrea Lopez]

Hi! I’m Andrea. It’s nice to meet all of you! @Rena, I love worship music so I will definitely check it out.

[Andrea Lopez]

Wow. That is such a great question. I can relate to how mental health issues can be considered a sign of weakness in some families due to cultural beliefs. I come from a more traditional Mexican family and for many years, my mother did not understand the level of anxiety I had or why I had it. She just figured I was exaggerating/complaining about everything. Unfortunately, in my case, it wasn’t until I ended up in the hospital with a severe panic attack that she started to want to understand more about it. I then told her that my anxiety is a real thing and that I needed her support in order to better manage it. I also said that if she still wouldn’t support me then I wanted professional help otherwise I wouldn’t be able to handle it. In the end, I got the help I needed and support from my mother. Try openly communicating with them when you feel the time is right. For me, I found that speaking from my heart really made my mom more attentive. If you have a counselor, therapist, professional, or someone whom you really trust to guide you then maybe they can also help you come up with some type of plan on how you can best communicate with your family. If there is a family member who you feel may be more open-minded about these types of things, then maybe start with them. I. There are also a couple of articles online that address speaking about mental health to your family. I’m not sure if I’m allowed to post links here but try googling it. I understand everyone’s situation is different so I hope that you find something that may be beneficial. I wish you the best of luck in communicating with your family.

[Andrea Lopez]

I agree with Allison. The breathing app has helped me tremendously whenever I feel my social anxiety rising. I’ve also noticed that throughout the years I will go out/communicate with small groups of people I feel comfortable with and then when it comes time to socialize with bigger groups, I tell myself I have handled it before and can do it again. It seems to work well for me. Now with virtual conferences/classrooms  I find myself essentially doing the same thing.

[Andrea Lopez]

I have found that  journaling along with exercise seems to lower my anxiety. I’ve had generalized anxiety for awhile now and I’ve found it takes awhile to figure out what works best for yourself. Meditation also helps me at times so long as it’s guided.

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