As two sisters who have ridden the rollercoaster of OCD and anxiety, we know how stress can mess with your body and mind. It's a wild ride, but it’s also taught us a lot about bouncing back and taking care of ourselves.
When we started Presently, a mission-driven bracelet company inspired by Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), it was because we wanted to create tangible reminders to help manage anxiety and stress. Our goal has always been to give people tools that really work, not just trendy band-aids.
Lately, there's been a lot of buzz about "cortisol face" on TikTok – the idea that stress can cause facial bloating and puffiness. While we love a good TikTok trend as much as the next person, this one's been debunked.
The whole concept suggests that high levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, can directly cause changes in our facial appearance. Sure, stress can affect our skin, but it's not as straightforward as TikTok might have you believe.
Starting this company four years ago, it was clear then, and it is still clear now, how much more we need to do to help. The world of mental health is filled with myths and misconceptions that can mislead people and derail genuine progress. It’s crucial to separate fact from fiction to address our mental health needs effectively.
Creators on TikTok are saying that "cortisol face" is caused by stress, and the way to fix this is to buy products for your face. But if "cortisol face" were a real condition (which it’s not) and is caused by stress, shouldn’t your first line of defense be to manage the stress itself?
This highlights a broader issue within the self-help and wellness industry: the focus on quick fixes and superficial solutions rather than addressing the root causes of stress and anxiety.
We love that people are talking about anxiety and that it has become mainstream, but overall knowledge of proper ways to deal with this anxiety is not yet mainstream. The rise in conversations about mental health is encouraging, but it’s essential to ensure that these discussions are grounded in accurate information and effective strategies.
Myths about dealing with anxiety can derail this progress and lead people down paths that offer little benefit. In fact, a lot of products in the "self-help" space are getting it wrong.
Herbal supplements, essential oils, fidget spinners, acupuncture rings, detox teas, crystals and healing stones, magnetic therapy products, and homeopathic remedies might offer temporary comfort or serve as complementary tools, but they shouldn't replace evidence-based treatments like CBT or other scientifically validated approaches.
These products often promise quick and easy solutions, but they do not address the underlying issues that contribute to anxiety and stress.
When we have can't stop thinking about whether or not they'll ask us on a second date—lavender isn't going to put an end to our overthinking.
When we have a hard time saying no to going out because we'll feel like a bad friend—fidget spinners aren't going to lift our unjustified guilt.
When we are hung up on an weird thought we had about a coworker—healing crystals aren't going to teach us how to manage intrusive thoughts.
In our journey with OCD, we've learned that managing anxiety isn't about eliminating it but about finding healthy ways to cope. This is where CBT has been a game-changer for us.
CBT helps individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns and develop healthier coping mechanisms. It’s a powerful tool for managing anxiety and has a strong foundation in scientific research. It's also the inspiration behind our bracelets, which serve as constant reminders to be brave in the face of anxiety and create positive change for ourselves.
By using these principles, we can reduce the negative impact of stress on our lives, whether it's real or perceived. It's time to focus on what we can control and support each other in our mental health journeys.
Presently bracelets are just one tool to help us do that, reminding us that we are stronger than our anxiety and more resilient than we often realize. Our mission is to empower individuals to take control of their mental health and to provide reminders that we all have the strength to overcome challenges.
In a world filled with quick fixes and superficial solutions, it’s essential to return to methods that have been proven to work. Evidence-based treatments like CBT offer a reliable path to managing anxiety and stress.
Let’s continue to have these important conversations about mental health and ensure they are rooted in truth and effectiveness. Together, we can dispel myths, support each other, and make meaningful progress in our mental health journeys.
0 comments