19 Real Texts People Got While They Were Struggling With Anxiety

As much as we want to support our friends when they’re struggling with anxiety, it’s easy to accidentally say the wrong thing — even when our hearts are in the right place. And while everyone needs something different in the midst of their struggle, at the end of the day, everyone wants to be heard, understood and validated.

We wanted to give a shoutout to the people who send support to those with anxiety when they need it. When you’re not physically with a friend during their time of need, texting can be a great way to let them know you care. That’s why we asked our mental health community to share real texts that helped them, if only for a moment, when they were anxious.

Also, we want you to know if you don’t have anyone to text when you’re down, there’s no shame in reaching out to the Crisis Text Line. Text HOME to 741741 for free, 24-hour crisis support in the U.S. Head here for a list of crisis centers around the world.

Here’s what our community shared with us: 

1. Submitted by Christy P.

2. Submitted by Monica T.

3. Submitted by Alicia E.

4. “I was having a hard time and put a Facebook post up saying someone save me because I just didn’t know what to do and was at the point of hurting myself. This is the first of the messages I received. It went on much longer and it helped me to get my head out of that place. My best friend talked me off the edge and brought me back.” — Stephanie R.

5. “I can text my BF at any time night or day for reassurance and he’s there with a simple, ‘You’re OK, it’s OK, it’s going to be OK.” He never let’s me down with emotional support and encouragement! I’m so lucky.” — Monica T.

6. “My old manager sent me this message when I was having a tough morning. I managed to get into work and he was fantastic all day with me. He really helped me deal with my anxiety and panic attacks.” — Lizzy D.

7. “She didn’t have to say much but made everything better. Sometimes it’s just knowing you have the right people in your life and that they believe in you.” — Alissa S.

8. “My husband is currently deployed with the National Guard. The past year and a half have been a particularly low point in my life, so the deployment could not have come at a worse time. My anxiety causes me to be a people pleaser, and anytime I sense something’s off, or feel that those feelings aren’t reciprocated, I start to panic. Not too long ago I had a misunderstanding with someone important to me, and the bottom just fell out. I sent my husband a novel of a text telling him everything that was going on, even though I knew he was on assignment and wouldn’t be able to reply back immediately. We were able to talk it out on the phone and he was able to bring me back to reality. Not long after, I sent him a text telling him how sorry I was for dumping this all on him and this was his reply. Eighty-five thousand miles away and he can still make me smile. He is truly my rock.” — Jennifer K.

9. “I’d been going through a rough time and had been isolating myself and this simple ‘check in’ reminded me how not alone I am and through all the anxiety I have a wildly huge support system. (I’m in massage therapy school so that’s what the magic hands thing means lolol.)” — Aubry E.

10. Submitted by Jennifer Klotz

11. “I was having a hard time and put a Facebook post up saying someone save me because I just didn’t know what to do and was at the point of hurting myself this is one of the messages I received and it helped me to get my head out of that place.” — Stephanie R.

 

12. “From my husband on a really bad day.” — Lisa C.

13. “Just a simple… I get it.” — Jennifer K.

14. Submitted by Kristen K.

15. “From my husband.” — Natalie V.

16. Submitted by Amy W.

17. “A woman in my community passed away from suicide. She was bipolar and so am I and this news hit me very hard. My best friend Krista is always there for me. She’s so positive, but not in a fake way. She really set my mind at ease that day.” — Jenn T.

18. Submitted by Stephanie R.

19. “I know most people hate being told to ‘just get over it’ or ‘it’s all in your head’ because it’s invalidating, but context also plays a role I’ll never forget these words from my best friend, three years ago at 4 a.m. He was the only person I could open up to and he stayed up with me every single night always making sure I was OK when I needed it. We both called each other ‘child’ as a nickname. Nothing has ever made me feel so good. I plan to get it tattooed eventually”

What’s the best text or encouraging message you’ve gotten from a friend? Tell us in the comments below.