The Journey of Creating an Anti-Anxiety Journal

How an Anti-Anxiety Journal Caused Me So Much Anxiety

Over the past year, I embarked on a venture that was both exhilarating and anxiety-inducing: designing a mental health journal. This was a new territory for me, a follow-up to my initial product, ‘Coping Cards’. As I delved into this project, I often found myself ironically overwhelmed by the very anxiety the journal was meant to alleviate. Let me share with you the story of how an anti-anxiety journal caused me so much anxiety.

Preliminary Cover Designs

My Inspiration

The inspiration for this journal stemmed from my personal experience with writing. I’ve always found solace in jotting down my thoughts, and it's a practice backed by science—writing can significantly reduce stress and anxiety. Recognising this, I wanted to create a tool that others could use to navigate their mental health journeys, just as I had with my ‘Coping Cards’.

Creating this journal was no small feat. It took numerous iterations to get the design just right, dozens of iterations! Finding an Australian-based printer proved to be another challenge, with multiple designs being cut off, printed incorrectly, or simply causing problems. Each proof I had printed was an expensive endeavour, as printing a single copy costs significantly more than bulk orders.

One of my primary goals was to ensure the journal appealed to a wide audience. I designed two versions—one with a feminine touch and one with a more masculine feel. I also wanted to incorporate elements from the ‘Coping Cards’ to provide a comprehensive tool for anxiety management. Drawing inspiration from various resources that had helped me, I crafted a journal by an anxiety sufferer for anxiety sufferers.

Mindful Moments - Pink Version

My Journey

Throughout this journey, I faced numerous moments of doubt. Imposter syndrome and perfectionist anxiety often reared their ugly heads, making me question the project’s worth and my ability to see it through. There were countless times I felt like giving up, convinced that my efforts would never meet the high standards I had set for myself.

Despite these challenges, I persevered. Each setback taught me valuable lessons about resilience and the importance of seeking support when needed. The process, though fraught with anxiety, ultimately led to a product that I am incredibly proud of—a testament to the power of persistence and the therapeutic benefits of writing.

Creating this journal was more than just a business endeavour; it was a personal journey that highlighted the complexities of managing anxiety while pursuing ambitious goals. I hope that those who use this journal find it as helpful as I intended, and that it serves as a reminder that even in the face of anxiety, we can achieve remarkable things.