Coping with Anxiety and Depression While Loved One is Incarcerated

Music and mindfulness help me a lot. Also breathing

Put some salt on your tongue when your having a anxiety or panic attack !

One last thing, if this is your significant other, ask yourself throughout this process if this is the life you want. Chances are it isn't the first time and may not be the last. One thing that can never be taken from you is the fact that you have a choice in all this. Never forget that you have the choice to not have anything to do with somebody that makes these types of mistakes. Remember the people we surround ourselves with are a direct reflection of who we are.

Plus if this loved one is a significant other or a family member first realize that their sentence is not your sentence. Your life doesn't stop just because somebody else's decisions landed them there. Except it for what it is. You are more than capable of still being "there for them" but what that looks like in their mind versus what it looks like to you maybe very different. Go ahead and accept a plan that you're comfortable with but be sure to create boundaries. Don't be available all the time otherwise you will lose yourself and your identity in this process. By the time the sentence is up you're going to need to be the strong one if this is your significant other. With that said those boundaries are extremely important through the sentence. It affords you the opportunity to continue with your life your responsibilities your obligations your wants and needs. It gives you things to discuss when you do have contact with your loved one and it keeps you level-headed. The absence from your loved one on their side by not having you as available as they may wish we'll plant the seed of doubt forever wanting to walk down this path again if they truly love you.