Managing anxiety.

Annette has lived at Camphill for almost 30 years. She lives independently, which she enjoys because she can watch the shows she likes, play the games she chooses, and eat the food she wants—like the slice of birthday cake she had for a snack today—without having to worry about anyone else.

Sometimes Annette feels anxious. Over the years she has tried many strategies to relieve her anxiety, like yoga, talking to people, and going to the gym. A couple of years ago Annette got a therapy doll – who she named Georgina— that she takes for walks when she’s feeling anxious or when she just wants to get a breath of fresh air.

“My doll came to me, I think two years ago, as a therapy doll. I bought her online. There were two ladies trying to sell them and they all sold out, and if I hadn’t taken her, somebody else would have. She’s my comfort,” shares Annette.

Annette often walks through Camphill with Georgina in the early mornings. With Georgina in a stroller, she walks down to the barn to visit the goats, donkey, and horse. Annette says that Georgina is a comfort to her and helps her manage her anxiety. Annette takes wonderful care of Georgina and has a collection of clothes, diapers, and everything a little baby needs.

Along with Georgina the therapy doll, Annette has many ways she manages her anxiety. She shared that she uses medication as a last resort. Annette says that “talking about anxiety and finding strategies that work for you is important. It can help a lot of other people too, who might need to try new things. There might be some other things out there to help people; doing yoga, going to the gym, taking medication, talking to people, there are lots of different strategies to help with anxiety.”