From Panic Attacks to Mental Health Plushies: How my daughter’s struggles inspired the creation of mental health plushies.

A few years ago, coming out of lockdown, my daughter was so gripped by anxiety that she couldn’t leave the house, sit in the car, or go to school. It was heart breaking to watch, and like many parents, I felt completely lost. I’d find myself crying on many occasions feeling as though I’d failed as a parent, as I was completely helpless, unable to change how my daughter was feeling.

I’ll be honest. Just a couple of weeks ago, I found myself completely overwhelmed and questioning my decision setting up a side hustle business, on top of my HR role.

I’d been working full time in my ‘normal job’ in HR for a couple of weeks, in charge of a process, which was the hardest period in my professional career. It was also on top of having the everyday busy life of being a mum and wife, (with everything that brings) but also working hard to bring my vision for the Calmness Crew mental health plushies to life.

It’s easy to overlook how much the little things shape the way children feel about themselves. Among the simplest yet most powerful tools we can offer them is the habit of using positive affirmations.

Affirmations are short, uplifting phrases that children repeat to themselves, helping them build a strong and healthy inner voice. Phrases like “I am brave,” “I am calm,” or “I am kind” might seem small, but the effect they can have on a child’s self-belief and resilience is anything but.

When a child starts to feel anxious, overwhelmed, or on the verge of a panic attack, one of the most effective things they can do is breathe—but not just any breathing. Box breathing, also known as square breathing, is a simple yet powerful technique backed by science and recommended by psychologists, pediatricians, and educators for helping young people regulate their emotions and calm their nervous systems.

🌟 A-Z Tips to Boost Your Wellbeing (Especially for Young People)

🩵 Let’s be real—life can feel a lot sometimes. Whether it’s school, friendships, family, social media, or just trying to figure things out, there’s so much being thrown at young people every day.

📒 That’s why I created something simple, supportive, and completely free: an A–Z guide full of daily tips to help young people feel better, think better, and live well.

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, and daily pressures. But what if there was a simple, effective, and completely free way to improve your mental wellbeing? Journaling is a powerful tool that helps process emotions, reduce stress, and boost clarity. And the best part? You can start today with my free downloadable daily journal!