Aaron wrote an article he wanted me to share. I agree it’s so important to be open and frank about mental health, so here goes.
Hi I’m Aaron. I am 9 years old and I’m writing about how to handle anger.
Take 3 deep breaths. Inhale exhale repeat in out.
Good. Now if you’re getting mad, walk away.
Reading helps me but it might not help you.
Sometimes listening to or playing [performing] music helps me too.
Aaron told me I should add some tips to the list too. Lately I have been working on managing anxiety, so here are some of my tips:
Another tip: Visit a gorgeous garden and get in touch with nature.
If I start to feel anxious or on edge, and I have the capacity to do, I go into the shop and listen to music and hit the punching bag for awhile or ride my exercise bike.
If not, I refer to Aaron’s No. 1 tip and take some deep breaths.
Mowing the lawn or using the weed eater can sometimes help drown out anxious thoughts and let me organize my other thoughts and feelings.
Talking or texting with a friend or loved one can help, either to talk through an issue or get distracted from it for a bit.
Dance party? Dance party! Even for a song or two.
Get support if you need it. The Psychology Today website has a decent search function that can show practitioners covered by your insurance (though it’s not always up to date on who is accepting patients). Your workplace Employee Assistance Program may be able to help you find an available practitioner, especially in an acute situation. I’m also hearing good things about some of the mental health and talk therapy apps out there.
Take good care!
With love from Aaron and Sarah