Go-Bag, Gen Z style
Call them anxiety bags, panic pouches, calm-down kits — whatever the name, these DIY creations are rapidly gaining popularity online, especially among Gen Z women.
It’s easy to see why. In a survey of nearly 1,000 Americans aged 18 to 26, 61% reported having a diagnosed anxiety condition, and 43% said they experience a panic attack at least once a month.
And while many turn to talk therapy and medication to cope, those tools don’t always work in the heat of the moment.
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Rapid sensory interventions like holding an ice pack, sucking on a Warhead or even sniffing an alcohol wipe can interrupt escalating arousal in the nervous system, explained Dr. Jenny Martin, clinical psychologist and founder of Gemstone Wellness in Chicago.
“In general, anxiety bag items work by shifting attention away from anticipatory thought loops back into the present — back into the body,” said Martin, who’s put the kits together with her own patients. “None of these tools resolve underlying anxiety, but they can be surprisingly effective in acute moments, especially when paired with broader skills like cognitive reframing or exposure work.”
Exclusive | Gen Z is packing 'anxiety bags' — experts call it 'genius'
I wish I could say I understand, but frankly I can’t. Maybe I am indeed an old fart disconnected from the “new” needs of younger generations which I would call a win. A hysterical hissy fit does not get solved by a baby wipe, a lollipop and listening to adult versions of lullabies in your smartphone.
Most everybody I know have a very simple bag for real emergencies which include prescription and OC medication, stop-blood-loss items and some basic First Aid stuff. And depending on lifestyle and type of work, more items are added while trying to keep the weight down as much as possible. As for things needed to “soothe” the nerves, me particularly do not smoke anymore and if I were a drinking man, I would have me a hip flask with some Cardenal Mendoza brandy1 in it but since I have neither, I just wait till shit is over and achieve relaxation talking to my long-time therapist AKA the Missus.
And if you are continuous reader of this Substack, I figure you probably have have a bag similar to mine and another SHTF bag or bags with noise-making objects to subside and defeat real dangers, the ones that cause true death or bodily harm.
If you haven’t tried and fancy liquors, give it a go. Do the full snifter thing, and even though some sell a “warmer” which is some sort of flame device, I insist that old-school holding in your hand for 5 minutes, stirring it gently while inhaling the aroma till it reaches to body temperature is the best way to degust. If you do cigars, first brandy then smoke is apparently the correct order.
I can think of another "sensory arousal interruption" those women may want to try to relieve their panic....
I had the pleasure or misfortune to be born on the cusp of the baby boomer and Gen X transition. I am more boomer than Gen X, but have a lot of the X traits. And, from what I can tell, my generation was the last one to be self reliant.
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In grade school, I saw the beginning of the "your self esteem is the most important thing" and I thought it was laughable. I was always picked close to last for a team in gym class or schoolyard softball, and that taught me a lot. As a result, I know I suck at sports, and I am good with it. And, I grew up knowing that I was not the most superbestest at everything, and not seeking praise for minor accomplishments.
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But, it went downhill from there. Future generations were informed their "feels" were most important, not their accomplishments. They "deserved" whatever they wanted, and if it was withheld, it was a personal insult and an attack against their very being.
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Net result, we have adult sized children wandering around who need their binky if things do not go perfectly their way.
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Now, let me be clear here. I am not talking about people who honestly have anxiety disorders, or some other diagnosable mental illness. The individuals discussed in this article are normal, but want special attention because... reasons. Six weeks in military boot camp will straighten that BS right out of them.