mrsmamarhodey:

Anxiety Comedown

You’ve had a panic attack, an anxiety attack, a depression wave, or other emotional breakdown. That’s okay! I’m so proud of you for getting through it. Now your body needs some love and affection during the comedown, when your hormones, adrenaline, and endorphins all try to level out.

Start with your five senses grounding:

• Say out loud five things you see and take three deep breaths.
• Say four things you hear and take another three deep breaths.
• Say three things you physically feel, and take three deep breaths.
• Say two things you smell, and take another three deep breaths.
• Say one thing that makes you happy, and take these last three deep breaths.

That was so great, now we need to make sure you’re physically okay:

• If you have any wounds, they need to be treated:

1. Start by making sure any bleeding stops. If you need to apply pressure, use damp gauze or a damp towel.
2. Then, clean the area with an antibacterial soap and warm water.
3. Bandage according to your needs, and apply an anti-bacterial cream if you have it on hand.

• If you’ve had nausea, and vomited:

1. Do not brush your teeth, the acid and the toothpaste can erode your enamel.
2. Swish to rinse your mouth with water, or a non-alcohol mouthwash.

Wonderful. Now that we’ve got that done, your adrenaline should be crashing or about ready to. This will leave you shaking and cold. Don’t worry, we’re going to get through this together.

Getting Warm

• If at all possible, start with a warm shower. Remember, your body temperature is going to be running high, and your nerves won’t be as sensitive, so when you hop in, keep it at your normal warm temperature, don’t burn yourself.
• Then, we’re going to want to put on warm, comfortable clothing. Sweaters, sweatpants, cardigans, socks… whatever you have that wraps you up in a hug.
• Now, if your hands are steady, we can go get a mug of something warm to sip on: hot cocoa, hot tea, warm milk, creamy coffee. Something that really sounds yummy.
• Awesome. Now we can go get you to your quiet place with a good couple of blankets. Tuck yourself in tight as you like, and often the heavier the better.

You’ve done so well getting here, and I’m so proud of you. Now we have a couple more things to take care of:

Checking In

• You have a support system that loves and cares about you, let them know what happened, and what you need.
• There’s no shame at all in being honest if you need anything, they’re there to help you as best they can.
• Do your best to check in with at least three people in your support system, even over text.

That was so incredible, and I’m so proud of you for taking such good care of yourself. Now is a fantastic time to take a nap, and check back in with yourself and your support system when you wake up.

I love you, very, very much. If you ever need me, I’m always here.