Written by Bruna Souza, a Youth MOVE Massachusetts Youth Advocate

Breathe in. One. Two. Three... I begin counting in my head until five seconds have passed. Breathe out. I repeat these steps three times until my shoulders begin to relax, my heart feels a little less pressure, my mind stops reeling up new lies. It has taken me years to develop a habit of doing this. When I first started, it simply did not seem to work. I would only remember when I had already lost control. Every time I tried to take a deep breath, it felt like I was drowning deeper into my pain. I could not get my body to focus on holding in a breath when I had already gone into flight mode: my hands shaking, my heart beating as though I had run a mile, my lungs gasping for air.



Read more

Young Adult Resources: Bank Accounts

Navigating banking can be overwhelming without guidance. However, managing finances is an important step into adulthood and allows for much more independence. These videos help break down and simplify the different options for banking and saving your money.

Understanding Bank Accounts

Checking and Savings 101

Self-Care Mini Activity

“Panic attack kits” are useful, personalized tools that you can create to cope with overwhelming anxiety or panic. To make a kit, think about some of your favorite coping skills. Does listening to music help? Grab a pair of headphones! Do fidget toys help? Grab your favorite one! Do you have any emergency anxiety medication? Grab that as well! This kit is your tool so make it as helpful and specific to you as possible. You can also add sour candies or essential oils to distract your senses from the anxiety or panic you are experiencing. Some other ideas include earplugs, a water bottle, a snack, a journal, or an item that comforts you. Once you have gathered everything, pack them in a bag that is easily accessible to you, such as a backpack, small pouch, or purse. If there’s a place that is particularly triggering, keep your kit somewhere accessible to you in that environment, such as at school or in a car. Now you have your own "panic attack kit"!