Sister of the Late Nicole Brown Simpson Speaks Out on Depression

For this blog, I thought I would share a story about where I was and where I am now. It is time for me to share my story on how I turned my breakdown into a breakthrough with others to help them manage stress, anxiety and hopefully depression.

My goal is to encourage people to face their STUFF so they don't end up where I
did.

I am the youngest sister of the late Nicole Brown Simpson who was murdered 16
years ago. On June 12, 1994, my life changed forever. Because of the notoriety,
it became difficult for me to go through the normal grieving process.

In September 2004, I experienced an emotional breakdown from the cancellation of my wedding. Due to the lack of self care and acknowledging my despair over the years, this caught up with me.

For one month, I went into self-destructive mode and on Oct. 10, 2004, I was
admitted into a behavioral health center for depression and anxiety. For 10 days I was an in-patient and for two months, I was an outpatient because I neglected to feel and face my pain.

I share this with you because the holidays are approaching and for many it is a time
for fun, family and festivities. It can be the most exciting and joyful season of all. And for some, it can provoke stress and anxiety because of family affairs, parties, shopping and other demands. This places unnecessary pressure on you and as a result, you stress out and become overridden with anxiety.

Everyone has a story and it amazes me how much despair is truly out there. There is an increase in depression, suicide attempts, suicide successes and substance abuse because people do not know where to turn. You think you can do everything, every day; all the time and for everyone and you simply cannot.

You have to take care of yourself first. Without you being mentally well, how will you enjoy your life? Start putting yourself first by scheduling YOU into your day. Just a few moments a day just for you. How do you cope with this new change? Change is scary, but like anything, there are coping skills to get you through.

Here are some tips:

1. Let it Go!

How do you do this? How do you take care of yourself? BREATHE! One of the
determining factors of anxiety is the neglect of breathing properly. Don't just breathe, breathe deeply. Fill your belly and lungs and hold for three to four seconds. You may feel a bit light-headed. This is normal as your body is receiving the amount of oxygen that is necessary to reduce anxiety.

2. Be Selfish! Practice Self-Care

When you find yourself in sadness, stress and anxiety, please acknowledge it. Do not deny yourself to feel. It is critical for survival. I know life gets busy and there are many excuses for you to not practice self-care. But, if you do not, you will be the one who is hurting and in turn, you will hurt and frustrate those around you. What do you do to acknowledge your despair? Release the emotions by talking to a friend, therapist or life coach, exercise, drink plenty of water, walk in nature or volunteer. I like to journal and gratitude journal. If you can give yourself 10 minutes in the morning to give thanks for one more day before you grab for that Blackberry, and 10 minutes at night to give gratitude for five things you appreciated and were grateful for, you will discover how the negative gets voided by the positive. But, discover a self care that brings YOU joy and gives you the opportunity to release the stressors of the day. Not only will these exercises reduce the stress, but will give you the peace of mind for which you have been searching.

3. Don't Have Enough Time? YES, You do!

Manage your time the day before. Write down all the errands you have to run and do not forget to include driving time. When you determine what your errands are identify the driving route to accomplish it all. Then, write it down in your calendar; a paper calendar with times and dates, like a Day Runner from the past. ALSO, it is very important to remember to be flexible.

We all know life happens and things come up. Just shift your schedule around, but
don't ignore your responsibilities and still use this time management tool.

NEXT, schedule YOU into your day, every day. We schedule everyone else, don't
forget YOU.

If you know that you need life balance, but need someone by your side to say, 'not
tomorrow dear, today.  You can do this.'

Remember, accountability is essential for any growth.