anxiety diaries: exposure therapy & my struggles with anxiety 

This was the best video ever! Love your long form content!! Also I appreciate your vulnerability and honesty about anxiety. I was diagnosed at 25 with a panic disorder/anxiety disorder after suddenly experiencing panic attacks daily. Like you, I didn't want to rely on the medication I was prescribed. 8 years later, I am nearly panic attack free, maybe experiencing 1 or 2 a year. Daily journalling, exercising, avoiding caffeine/alcohol, CBT therapy, breath work and getting my iron levels up has worked wonders for me!! There is so much hope out there for people living with anxiety, nothing is permanent! Thank you for sharing your journey!!

I have the same driving anxiety and it is beyond frustrating, hearing about it from someone else makes me feel a little less crazy so thank you 🫶

No way I love how you put the ice balls into your cup! It feels like meditation in motion because you’re so intentional with how you do things instead of just rushing through everything. Anyway thanks for talking about your anxiety so specifically. Sometimes when I talk about it to other people or my therapist, I tend to downplay my experience because I guess I learned growing up that mundane things like taking the train shouldn’t be that hard so now I’m working through it and being accepting of how I feel to things that may seem ordinary or easy to other people.

Omg I had to pause because I have to say this-- I LOVE that you didn't just drop the ice into your cup, it kind of bothers me how a lot people like toss their stuff around. Like?? Chill. So seeing you being gentle with your cup and ice was such a nice thing lol And another thing!! I LOVE that you make spills here and there. Because for me growing up in a strict household, seeing you do that makes me feel like it's OK to make messes here and there, it's an easy cleanup. So your content and "quirks"/habits are so refreshing for me 🫶✨️ I absolutely love your TikToks, and I was so happy to find out that you had a RU-vid account. You and Shari Dyonne are my comfort people that I can put on play while working or just doing stuff around my home ✨️

Your panic attack experience is so similar to mine that I wanted to share what helped me - tapping therapy (EFT) helps SO much especially in the throws of a panic attack, progressive muscle relaxation (focusing on a muscle to relax it/surrender it and then feeling the enjoyment of that will ease your body into a more pleasant state) and then knitting! I picked up knitting during my anxious/panic attack days and it helped me so much to distract my brain and served as a healthy outlet. These are just some things that worked for me and everyone is different. Wishing you the best on your journey - I love your content!

My anxiety meds have helped me so much! I think of them as a boost to help me get into a better place, and I try to remember that I can always stop taking them whenever I want! All of the people in my life that take anxiety meds also have only had wonderful experiences! I completely understand the google searching and anxiety but you got this!!

I got the same travel anxiety after a horrible experience at my last job. It's so frustrating and difficult to navigate, especially because I live in a car dependent area and don't like where I live now, I don't want to be anxious but I fear the panic attack happening when I don't have my resources around me. It's led to daily anxiety/panic attacks but I'm one of those who have trouble finding the right medication. This makes me feel less crazy to hear your story, and hopefully soon I find the right medication for myself too 🌿

I absolutely love your content- as someone who suffer from severe anxiety and panic disorders these bring me so much peace. If you make more of these long for vlogs I will binge every single one as I mostly follow along on TikTok. You really are so inspirational 😊🫶🏻

Been having mental health struggles lately & this video made me feel so calm and seen. Thank you Kate!!

I recently have developed a new level of intense anxiety and I found this video so comforting. Its so reassuring to see other people with anxiety living, and still doing things that make them anxious :) it gives me more motivation to do that every day, so thank you for being so vulnerable even though the internet is so rude. I hope the support shows through more than the hate💕

walking everyday is perfect exercise and good cardio anything you do consistently that moves your body counts as exercise going to the gym just expands your endurance and strength but don't think that walking isn't enough you are doing great Kate!

Yes especially if the beads are falling off you need a replacement! Very cute bag though. Loved the video! Magnesium and L-theanine are also good supplements for anxiety

Your experience having a panic attack at red left turn light where you were the first car to go is identical to an experience I had a few years ago when my panic disorder and agoraphobia were really bad. I hope that you work through the anxiety and panic you feel and have a good support system! Exposure therapy can be so helpful especially for panic attacks even though it obviously sucks while you’re doing it lol so don’t forget to be patient and gentle with yourself!

I love hearing people talk about their anxiety journey. Mine has also gotten to a new level in the past few months and it’s such a struggle to get through it. Thanks for sharing and your authenticity

Lexapro really helped me during some bad periods of anxiety in my 20s, and I haven’t had to take any meds since then in my 30s. It takes a wee while for it to start working, but it does help! I don’t remember any weird side effects from it. Just be careful when the time comes for you to wean off it - don’t stop taking it suddenly or run out of it, as you can experience uncomfortable symptoms in that case (eg. brain fog and brain zaps etc.) Best wishes - everything will be okay! ❤

You’re definitely not alone in this Kate! I started having panic attacks and general anxiety about 2 years ago and was deathly afraid of flying, developing claustrophobia as well. I loved flying so much when I was younger but after developing general anxiety, flying and going out in public at times became so difficult for me. I was prescribed lexapro as well and it worked wonders. I started out taking small doses because I too was afraid of having any of the negative side affects and turned out that was prefect for me. After a year of using it, I finally started to feel like myself again and am off of it for 5~ months. Like another commenter said, nothing is permanent! This is just a chapter in your life that is tough but a valuable lesson to make you stronger and uncover more within yourself. You can do this and just keep breathing!

It gets better trust me! Got my first panic attack in 2021. It was really hard journey but it’s 2024 and I’m 95% much better the ever! One thing I can say that help me is that don’t try to get rid of anxiety. Learn to manage it and face the panic attack when it comes to you.

I've had anxiety since I was a kid. IT SUCKS. It makes me depressed. It keeps my world small. You're brave for being able to do all this!

Kate, your videos are equally amazing, inspiring, therapeutic, and entertaining. Viewers make the choice to watch snippets you share of YOUR life. If someone chooses to make rude and unnecessary comments, that is on them and a testament to their character. I am glad you block the ones you can. I teach middle school and one of my daily phrases is "If you cannot say something nice, keep your mouth shut." It is said that 'hurt people hurt people." And it is easy to be so confident on the computer that people can say things they probably would never say to your face. I hope they get the help that they need and start being nice. I too deal with anxiety and depression and many things can be a trigger. Your videos and the things you do in your life are helpful to you and to many. Please keep making them and know you have many people who love and support your energy, vibe, and passion for life. Have a wonderful day. :)

I had almost the exact same anxiety onset and symptoms as you a year and a half ago! While there are definitely psychological reasons/trauma, I found out that I had PCOS and it was causing my blood sugar to have issues which gave me anxiety and made me feel faint. Mine also started while I was on a trip, almost the exact situation with the plane and everything! Taking magnesium, L-Theanine and Ashwaganda has also helped a lot ♡

i’m really loving this take on anxiety yet how we can still function in our daily lives. i find myself most worried about driving lately, so i’ve started to take a small drive around my town before 9 am and i feel it’s helped. this video was heartwarming and i enjoyed it😊

Subscribed through watching your short content☺️ let me just say THANK YOU for not just dropping the ice in the cup🙌🏽💕 It’s really comforting to relate to so many of the same things anxiety wise - just know you’re doing great! Small steps are big strides when it comes to coping with our anxiety❤️‍🩹

I actually have had one of my favourite glass cups break on me by dropping in a huge cube of ice and ever since, I've been placing my ice in my cups gently like you do and after I found your videos on instagram I was straight away like "oh she knows what she's doing with that ice" - keep doing whatever you feel is right, you do not have to force yourself to drop your ice in your cute cups and risk them breaking to please people

I uses to be so anxious ALL the time and it would overwhelm me constantly, it was horrible and I just wasn't living, I was only surviving. and then I got the opportunity to start working from home and got diagnosed with autism. it's been life changing. I'm still anxious but it's so much easier all these years later! just putting this here in case it helps anyone ❤

I live in DC and take Metro 3-4 times a week. I grew up in a big city and live in a city but I still feel uncomfortable and anxious in public/crowds. I wish I can give you a big hug. ❤ You got this!

Lexapro has helped me so much! I also was very scared to start it because of all the negative side effects I read about. Luckily, I didn’t experience anything too severe. I noticed it started to work for me within 2 weeks. It’s been almost 2 months and I will say I regret not starting it sooner!

You are sooooo pretty! I love your videos, they are so calming!

Thank you so much for making this, my anxiety has been having such a flare up recently and I am already on the max dose of my medicine. I’ve been trying to do good habits to help my anxiety. I’m excited to see what works for you!

Kudos for allowing yourself to be vulnerable and for making yourself do the hard work. Exposure Therapy is not easy and your journey will help others. You're going to be alright, kid! Sending encouragement and positivity! P.S. if meds give you breathing room, don't let nobody tell you nothin'! lol Most of us can use a little help sometimes!

you are one of my new fav influencers, and its so sad hearing you get hate because you are so cute and sweet and genuine I couldnt imagine someone being mean to you

Love watching longer content from you, feels like catching up with a friend ❤

Hi Kate! I'm glad I discovered your channel ❤ I love how you talk so openly about your life and your struggles. I identified with a lot of it, plus I love your vibe and your life style, it's kinda similer to mine, but you've inspired me to do more🙏

I've had anxiety since I was a kid, and as a result I've tried a lot of different meds. My best advice is just to be honest with your psych about if it's working and give each one enough time. Because if it's not, you can just try a new one. I was on one that was amazing for my social anxiety, but made me SO sweaty. It wasn't worth it in the end, so I got off it, but we tried another that's been working well since. Everyone's body and chemistry is unique, so what works for someone else might not work for you. But eventually you'll find the right one. I also got off birth control because of awful anxiety and mood swings, they definitely got better after but I still needed meds as well.

also yoga has helped me! i do vinyasa, yin, or nidra. if you find a good place and teachers then it can be so grounding and good for your anxiety

Great video and reflection on your own experiences. Definitely a resource for others!

Sounds like the anxiety is hormonal related. It happened to me - I had so many panic attacks in public or driving. Honestly, it just kind of goes away when you focus on other things. Yes, it's scary, but it's not dangerous! When you realize that panic is nothing more than uncomfortable, it loses its power of you. Hang in there!!!! Exposure therapy works well!

Ayyy northern VA in the house! Fairfax Virginia born and raised. Don’t live there anymore but I miss it. I’ve been anxious all my life and was diagnosed with autism 2 years ago at age 30. Great video.

Please do more of these videos! They’re so good!!

I love longer form video content like this! I’ve had anxiety since I was a kid so I emphasize 💗

your channel popped up and so happy it did! anxiety is my middle name.. you are amazing . so smart and so beautiful! you have a new subscriber...

THANK YOU for this ❤ loved it

The way you put ice in the cup in your drink videos always made sense to me! I don’t get the haters lol. You should keep doing it that way not only because it’s the smart way to put that ice circle in, but also to keep pissing people off. 😂It’s funny how their comments boosts your engagement, and in turn makes you more successful

Hi kate, I follow you on TikTok, and now, here, could you please make more content on RU-vid I love to see you and watch your content, and recently my anxiety came back and sometimes I feel frustrated and back then like a year ago i took medicine but it didn't work. love you kate❤

Don’t let the haters get to you babe. Fuck that. I’ve really gained a lot from your cooking videos and it’s giving me so many ideas. Seriously ignore them! I take quetiapine, doxepin, sertraline, trazedone and clonazepam and it took me a while to feel regulated on it. But I feel great. I don’t have side affects ever. If it doesn’t work try out different things. You will find what works for you 💕

I had to stop looking everything up online, because it’s different for literally everyone depending on your body and chemistry and i was just freaking myself out! I have had the best experiences with cymbalta! also i definitely recommend asking about pharmacogenetic test! see if your insurance covers it. swapped my cheek to see which meds would be most effective for me specifically

Staud in West Palm Beach is my absolutely favorite! They have such unique pieces

I would start with a yoga class it’s very calming and at the same time you work your muscles + very good for anxiety I do it regularly to keep my stress down

Dude I’m telling you I recommend Wellbutrin (yes atypical antidepressants might be stimulating), l-theanine , l-tyrosine, magnesium and liquid IV packets a few times a week cut back on the caffeine / gluten.

Thank you for sharing! I admire your vulnerability. 🙏

Love your videos please upload daily vlog😭😭😭💖. I'm big fan of you😭💖

Same… try taking magnesium Glycinate at night and test your 4 point saliva cortisol and sex hormones also restorative yoga helps a lot. Also I don’t drink caffeine sadly anymore bc of anxiety it helps a lot. The 6 lanes of traffic on each side driving in Virginia makes me so anxious!!! I have to drive on backroads and it takes twice as long to get anywhere

Girl, i dont even know why people get annoyed by your drink making or cooking videos. I love them. Not everybody enjoys the same thing. Dont sweat it sis! EVERYONE has their own quirks or their own specific way of doing something. The peipme who harebon the little things you do, guarantee they do something that's actually annoying to others 😅 Youre beautiful and living life! I have so much anciety too that developed from a narcissistic, abusive ex husband and trying to cure it as well...yrs later, still havent mastered it 😂 love ya girlfriend! Keep being you, please never change what you do or how you do it because of someone elses sensitive opinions! ❤

I have the same type of anxiety! It’s the anticipation of having a panic attack in situations I’ve had before 😖 I’ve been cutting out caffeine for two years now and it’s really really helped! I can tell a huge difference if I ever let myself have a regular cup of coffee instead of decaf, so highly recommend that change! I used to be so scared I’d have an anxiety attack on a plane or on trains purely because I did in the past for some reason, but now I’ve flown (including moved) internationally and I rarely ever have an anxious thought 🫶🏼

I really hope people see this so that it can be informative. I am not demonising birth control. It's really useful for preventing pregnancy for those who need it and I have used it myself. BUT people need to know that it can depelete essential nutrients and B vitamins so supplementing is key. Please look into this if you use birth control long term. Certain nutrient deficiencies are linked to anxiety such as low magnesium...

I struggled with reallyyyyy bad anxiety at the end of high school, and honestly I just had to distract myself in as many ways possible 😅 I also took a CBD oil tincture (I’d put it under my tongue, there are different levels of strength) and it helped so much actually!!! It’s my favorite from of CBD

I looove you’re videos!! I was wondering, wich homemade nutmilk is you’re favorite to make yourself??

My therapist recommended I try cold plunging so I’ve been doing them since January (and recording them on RU-vid 😊)

have you ever tried lemon balm? you can get the tea bags, or the tincture dropper thing to put in drinks. Super good for anxiety, i drink the tea iced at night when winding down! melissa officianis

❤❤❤❤I saw you posted new vlog i was like yay🎉🎉🎉thanks for sharing❤

When you said you moved from the city to the suburbs, it reminded me of the episode of Its always sunny in Philadelphia where Mac and Dennis move to the suburbs 😂

for me it takes about 2 weeks to notice improvement and side effects on medication! cymbalta works really well for me but of course everyone is different. I’ve tried a lot of different medications. Have you listened to mary skinner’s podcast episode about this kind of stuff?

2:17 “some, like, kiiiinda bad anx1ety”. BS! 😂

anxiety never goes by medications. once it comes unfortunately it will last much. but there are 3 healing directions. 1 (a very good close person to always be around for you, holds you when it gets dark, always confronts you, taking your hand to face your fears). 2 (your inner fire will be your guide through out all of the darkness of the anxiety). 3 (if your family and friends loved and cared about you, srround yourself with them till anxiety turns to a history). i wish my advice hold the best to you. there is a saying said "ask a person who tried it, better than asking a professor at it".

Yoga really helps me !!!

Love love loved this video!

I feel like RU-vid is pretty positive as far as comments go. I don't think I could handle mean comments for no reason or for petty reasons lol Unless I'm just not seeing negative comments but no, I think it's nicer over here 😁

Yup stress/anxiety can mess with your gut health

Could you please tell us how you make this perfectly kneaded dough?

Have you read the Medical Medium books. There you will find an explanation of the cause of your anxiety and how to heal it. I hope you give it a go.

Hi Kate, do you mind linking or letting us know where you got your clear matcha bowl?

I got into a car accident with my sister(she was driving) when I was 18 so I have a serious anxiety with driving I’ll even freak out multiple times while someone else is driving the car so I literally can’t drive I haven’t even gotten my license because I know I’ll never be able to drive so what’s the point?

Hi Kate! i found you on here... i sent you a personal DM on your IG hopefully we can talk soon :) LOVE YOUR VIDEOS AND HOW REAL YOU ARE!!! STAY TRUE TO YOURSELF

🌞

I need to know how and why you are wearing a jacket in this heat wave/summer??

😍😍😍😍

Ur house is awesome

Also. Curious..do you live alone or with someone. Ive been confused by some of the videos. Your coffee machine has someone elses setting and you said in this video "we live" but ive never heard you actually talk about a certain person and never seen anyone there or hear you talking to anyone. My nosy side is wondering if you're living with family or a bf? 😅

gorgeous af

I say read all the mean comments for exposure therapy. 🤣

You are absolutely beautiful, gorgeous and charming♥️🌹

Are you related to William Dafoe by any chance?

Look into vitamin b1

it has been a while since my homemade bla ( shorter and better)

Can you please share the recipe?

hi kate i wanted to let you know that u look Absolutely gorgeous

You need Osho International (it'll help you 20 percent), Jiddu Krishnamurti (it'll help you another 20 total 40 percent), Christopher Nolan (another 20 total 60), Bible another 20, rest 20 percent is you. To make sense of the world and the cocktail of all those men, you can take my help !!!

🎼🎵🎶📝📝📝🗣🗣🗣💿💿💿

The off-center light really is annoying. .........cute furry friends.

I think that's something that could really help with your anxiety is Jesus so many people have been healed by Him God bless you!❤

Yeah no that’s not cool with the beads falling off

Hello from Greece. You are the most beautiful girl i ever seen. All my wishes ❤🎉😊

hello lods

🤍

Who is we? I just think this is your parents home and not your own - shouldn't be embarrassed not to have bought a house at 25 but seems pretty silly to lie about it?... just saying...

U r so beautiful....

Jesus loves you Kate

Do you need a housekeeper? I will cook food for you and wash dishes and wash your clothes. I will help you out in different works. I am a very hard worker.

You're like Kennedy Walsh if she was nice and not a stuck up b 😂

Mrs Kate: From Trump to Biden why rich Americans are mental?

Try listening to Quran.. it helps with anxiety even if you're a non muslim❤