Hello Magazine.com
Beauty writer Vanese Maddix suffered from panic attacks since her early teens, but found her beauty routine to be a safe haven for her mental health.
It’s strange to think that there was a “me” before the mental health diagnosis. I could never have imagined how many highs and lows would come, or how many battles would come back.
It’s been 10 years since I was diagnosed with the disease. anxietydepression, panic disorder – and it’s been two years since I found my own way to navigate the lows.
Read: My beauty routine helps clear clouds of depression — but it’s not always easy
My panic attacks started on public transport in my early teens. I didn’t know what was happening to me at the time, but soon they became commonplace and what was once small began slowly creeping into every area of ​​my life.
Traveling to and from college? Panic attacks. Did you ever see my favorite band of the time, The Wanted, play The Roundhouse in Camden? Panic attacks are never fun but this one saw paramedics take me backstage to watch and eventually run into the Wanted guys but that’s a story for another day .
Vanese has struggled with mental health since his teens
After many years and a lot of trial and error, I finally found something that really lifted my spirits after a bout of bad mental health.
Read: How Bold Beauty Habits Helped Me Accept My Parkinson’s Diagnosis
Surprisingly, it’s not therapy or antidepressants (even though they’re both saviors) – it’s beauty and its various elements that I’ve incorporated into my daily life.
I established a skincare routine when I was struggling in the middle of a pandemic. The UK had just gone into lockdown and getting a doctor’s appointment to talk about my mental health was nearly impossible.
Vanese’s mental health declined during the pandemic
Talking to your GP is always a reassuring option if you’re feeling suicidal and dazed, but doctor surgery is becoming a complete no-go for most people, so I don’t think I’ll be okay. and I had to make sure I could handle it myself. Own.
Fighting your head and keeping your brain from going into overdrive is a mission in itself, and you need to find something that can help you regain control, even if it’s just for a few minutes a day. I noticed that there is And this is where beauty entered the equation.
I became obsessed with TikTok and YouTube videos about mental health and self-care. After spending weeks in bed, I figured doing his skincare routine would help me wake up in the morning.
A skincare regime helped Vanese keep her day going
I have fine-tuned my skincare routine and perfected it for normal to dry skin types. It was originally an extensive regimen that included cleansers, toners, essences, serums, eye creams, face masks, moisturizers and face oils.
Read: The Sea Soothes Me: Living by the Sea Relieved My Anxiety and Isolation
I was proud of myself even though I could only take one step in my daily life: to be kind to myself.
Even on a dark day, the feeling of refreshment after a skin care routine or the dizzying feeling of wearing your favorite blue eyeliner can help kick-start your day and regulate your self-doubt. increase.
Vanese’s trademark blue liner kickstarts her day
I have documented the positive impact beauty has had on my mental health several times through social media and writing.
RELATED: I’m suffering from sadness.This is the only thing that definitely lifts my mood.
Even in my loneliest times, I have to remember that there are millions of people out there who share my mental health struggles.
Subscribe to Hello Happiness for the ultimate guide to being happier.
