āœØšŸŽ OUR HOLIDAY SHIPPING DEADLINE IS APPROACHING! ORDER BY 12/8 FOR A CHRISTMAS DELIVERY! šŸŽāœØ

Stay Golden Anklet Set

Hi! I'm Danielle (known to most as ā€œDā€) and I head taudrey's creative marketing and communications, and all that falls under that pink-and-gold, personalized umbrella.

mental-health-month-taudrey-danielle

Iā€™m taking over the #taudblog today to talk about mental health. May is Mental Health Awareness Month and since weā€™re all about getting personal around here, Iā€™m doing just that.

While Iā€™m far from an expert, Iā€™ve lived with at-times-crippling anxiety for nearly eight years. Iā€™ve learned a lot on my mental health journey and hope myĀ honest words can bring some awareness, at least, and help someone, at most.

Hereā€™s a little background...

Iā€™ve always been a sensitive worrier. But things took a turn from just ā€œcute and concernedā€ in my 24th year. I was working as a morning breaking news reporter, seeing more crime-scene tape daily than I now see pearls. That year, I also experienced a health scare. And then, quite literally from one day to the next, something changed in my brain. I was all of a sudden extremely anxious AT ALL TIMES and noticed the transfer of germs EVERYWHERE. I was absolutely petrified of EVERYTHING.

I missed days of work, barely left my house and quickly lost about 25 pounds, as eating with ā€œdirtyā€ hands and utensils wasnā€™t possible. Scared to lick my ā€œexposedā€ lips, they would crack and bleed, as did my over-washed hands. Lucky for me, my loved ones sought help right away.

I was diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. My OCDā€™s cup of tea is ā€œcontamination.ā€ Basically, my brain is constantly interrupted with irrational thoughts that cause me to do compulsions (distinct behaviors) to appease the anxiety. My ā€œflight or fightā€ response is broken, and so, the same physical reaction many would have to the sound of a gun shot, I can experience in a public restroom. And like many who have anxiety disorders, every once in a while, my OCD likes to hang withĀ a fun gal namedĀ depression.

But I've come a long way and refuse to be a victim. Yea, this mental illness sucks. And yes, there have been some ridiculously hard times in my journey. Days when my husband has literally had to lift me off the floor. But you know what? My disorder doesnā€™t define me and even with sporadic tangos with depression, Iā€™m doing pretty great at this thing called life. And hell, most days I even do it with a giant smile and some grace.

If you are suffering, know there is hope. Be patient. Things always get better. And if youā€™re not suffering, be aware that many are, even that girl whoā€™s always smiling and has a million things to be grateful for and happy about.Ā 

Here are my mental-heath-related thoughts/tips.

These opinions are based solely on what works for me. I understand that everyone is different and those suffering with severe mental health issues should always seek professionalĀ guidance.

Itā€™s Real.

Mental illness is very real. I try not to mind those who say to ā€œget over itā€ and ā€œjust think positive.ā€ WouldĀ they tell someone with a broken leg to ā€œwalk it off?ā€ Nope! We need to break the stigmas attached to mental health. And I believe the first step is acknowledging that these issues are as real as ice cream is delicious. Shout out to Jen Gotch and the Bando gang for doing amazing things in this regard.

Move it. Move it.

I used to roll my tired-and-anxious eyes when someone suggested exercise as a way to fight anxiety. But then a therapist got me to see movement as a means to expel my nervous energy. She asked me to try to "move" for 30 minutes, at least four times a week. And guess what? It made me feel better!! Iā€™ve never been a gym gal so my go-to workout simply involves a nice Beyonce playlist, a few weights and my favorite dance moves. Itā€™s really fun and well, free! Also, I recently started meditating! I canā€™t sit in silence so guided meditations have been key for me. The Apps Buddify and Headspace are great!

Whatā€™s goinā€™ in?

When I feel like 10% of myself, nutrition (and basically eating in general) flies out the window. But Iā€™ve learned that my brain needs fuel (balanced food and plenty of water!) to fight those pesky intrusive thoughts. Itā€™s all connected! Oh, and Iā€™ve also come to pay attention to what Iā€™m not putting in my body, like the proper vitamins! I now take several different supplements to give my mind and body what it needs. Brands I love are Standard Process,Ā ThorneĀ and Charlotte's Web.Ā 

Soul Food.

Do more of what makes you smile. Laugh until you're crying and canā€™t breathe. It feeds the soul. For this, I personally call on my hilarious husband and loved ones. When my soul is happy and occupied, my brain follows. Not always, but often. Something else thatā€™s helped me is keeping my brain busy learning new things (I kick it old-school with books!) and finding new ways to relax (I started acupuncture in December and it changed the game!).

Love.

From therapists and psychiatrists, to support groups and friends, surrounding myself with those who make me feel accepted, safe and hopeful has been extremely important in my journey. I believe in the power that comes from a caring community.

Whatā€™s always been harder for me is finding that compassion within. But self love is crazy important. I now have a ā€œnotesā€ saved on my phone with a list of things I love about myself. And self love includes forgiveness. My mantra these days is ā€œgrit when you can, grace when you canā€™t.ā€ I even have a sweet taudrey bangle personalized with it. The piece reminds me to push myself when I feel strong, but to love myself when I'm unable to push or have a setback.Ā 

I hope my honesty can inspire, or at least help bring some understanding and awareness.

If youā€™re having a hard time, donā€™t forget to treat yourselfĀ with the level of compassionĀ youā€™d offer a suffering friend. And remember, progress is not linear. Some days, I feel on top of the world. Other days, Iā€™m lucky if I step outside. But no matter what, life is pretty amazing and Iā€™m thankful for and proud ofĀ the woman I am today, OCD and all! Ā 

And for those non sufferers, be there for your loved ones and be patient. I got really lucky with a supportive family and so many wonderful friends. And shout out to my ridiculously amazing (and hilarious and good-looking!) husband who's been by my side since day one of this wild ride.Ā 

Question or comment? danielle@taudrey.com

xo, "D"