Hi, I’m Verity and I’m a badass anxiety defeating machine! Well, sometimes. If you have a mental illness – or know someone who does – you’ll know that it’s not as simple as that. Even for those of us with years of experience, our brains can take us by surprise.
I’ve had anxiety since I was a small child. I can’t remember ever *not* having it! But it took until I was in my twenties to even know what it was, and then a few more years after that to get it diagnosed. I’ve spent most of my life developing coping strategies to help in times of crisis. My partner also has anxiety so we’ve been able to team up to fight it. When one of us is struggling, the other one has a clearer perspective. It’s given me a unique perspective on how thoughts from our stronger times can help us when we are struggling.
Some of these sayings (like “no should haves” or “oxygen mask”) are things we remind each other over and over when we need it most. One day, it occurred to me that, just as I’ve learned from others, some of our reminders could help other people too.
I made an Instagram account to share the reminders, accompanied by anxious little monsters to illustrate the ideas. They proved very popular, which led to an Etsy store and then even a book! I love the idea that people have bought copies of my art and put it on their wall or in their wallet, to be gently reminded to look after themselves when they need it most.
I hope you enjoy my drawings and that they can help you in some small way, whatever your day is like today.
