Re: Putting together a Comfort Bag

HEY ANXIETY PPL LIKE ME!!!

I found this GREAT article in an online magazine for "putting together a comfort bag" It 's great and it works! Check it out

What to do when you're away from home and anxiety strikes?
Reach into your comfort bag for security, distraction or relaxation..........

Difficulty: Easy

Time Required: Varies

Here's how:

1) Decide what kind of bag is appropriate for your needs. If you drive alot, you can take more in the car. If you carry a purse, maybe a large one is in order. A backpack is an option for everyone.

2) Now it's time to brainstorm. Sit down with paper and pen, and write down anything that comes to mind that has relieved your anxiety in the past. Add anything that you would like to try.

3)After your list is complete, decide what is portable and put together your "comfort bag". Below are some suggestions to help you complete your list.

4) Relaxation: Index cards with relaxation/breathing exercises, lavender oil, hand cream ( for hand massage); music & walkman; relaxation tapes, herbal tea.

5) Comfort: Photos; cards/letters from loved ones, teddy bear, religious/spiritual items; index cards with quotes, poems, reminders..........

6) Stimulation: Rubberbands ( snap on wrist) mints or tart candy; cold water; mentholated cream (to smell); upbeat music.

7) Distraction:Puzzle books, magazines, portable computer games; journal; small children's toys; books on tape; pens & pencils.

8) Emergencies: Cell phone; extra clothes; blankets; extra medication; small phonebook w/ all important numbers; chnage for phone; money; toilet paper; maps.

TIPS:

1) Have a list of people you can call if you're stuck somewhere. They would be people who come get you or talk to you until you feel calm again (make sure they've agreed ahead of time).

2) Remember that anxiety can make easy tasks more difficult, so be sure to bring distractions for an anxious mind (ie; maybe a childen's puzzle book rather than an adults)

3)Don't be embarrassed about bringing what soothes you.!!
If bringing that childhood teddy bear will help you take a few more recovery steps!!!

***More How To's from your Guide to Panic/Anxiety Disorders
http//panicdisorder.about.com/cs/ht.htm

Hope SOMEBODY get's SOMETHING out of this & take advantage of the web site.........it can take you far in other directions of interest, also.

Sworn by;Peace & Flowers, DAYZEE9

Dayzee,

This is great. Thank you so much for sharing this with everyone. I am sure that it will help so many.

Love,

Jen

You actually do this? It helps? Seems like a person with severe anxiety would just become dependant on their "security" bag. What happens when you grow use to this security item helping you cope then you forget or lose it?

Not a bad idea but I suppose I dont have severe enough anxiety to benefit, plus im not going to carry around a bag full of misc items being a guy and all I would have more anxeity from people looking at me with a purse.

I suppose if it works then great, sorry not putting your post down, just think we all become dependent on enough things as it is.

Super post Dayzee !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have carried bottled water for 15 years - guess I am addicted, but at least it is a healthy addiction (I carry it to Church, sit it up on the rail in the Choir Loft and take a sip when needed - of course, I have been asked if it REALLY is water !! LOL !!!). I am not concerned one little bit about what anyone else thinks about it.

I have several clients who are now able to commute the 65 miles to DC to work. I am on their speed dial, in case they get caught in traffic and start getting anxious - they call me and if they can manage with just a brief chat - thats great - if not, I do a relaxation technique, or other coping skills to help them thru).

Taipans, I dont think you need to go out and buy a suitcase, or carry a purse - but if having a 3x5 card in your wallet with "positive self statements", or coping skills written down, it is helpful. Or perhaps pictures of your daughters - and if you are feeling anxious, look at the pictures for comfort. There are great ways to use music as a "distraction" technique as well - either with a tape/CD or just "in your mind" (ie - if you keep your mind full of singing the words to a certain song , your mind tends to not wander back to being anxious. I used the song "B-i-n-g-o" alot. ) Also counting backwards by 7's from 1000 helps your mind from doing anything but concentrating on that task . So many coping skills we can use.

Having had PAD so severe for so long, I really didnt, and still dont, care what others think - as long as I am able to function - even with a "crutch", its better than being housebound and non functioning.

thanks--i copied it and will work on putting one together.
w_i