How to Use the Feed for Growth and Support

Weve got the feed live and the initial data looks good. People seem to be sharing uplifting images, funny content, and good overviews of how anxiety, social anxiety, and depression are experienced.

Here are some thoughts on how the feed can be used therapeutically for self and others.

1. Gratitude - Share 3 things that you are thankful for each day. Gratitude has been shown to be one of the most important variables in happiness. If we can build each other up and co-create a culture of gratitude we can help one another reach new levels of wellness. In the process, well transform our minds to focus on what we do have, instead of focusing on what we do not have.

2. Share 2 things that you did well today. Sometimes when we are anxious, we tend to focus on bad things that we imagine well do bad in the future. If we struggle with depression, then we may focus on negative things weve done in the past, present, or anticipate in the future. In both these instances, it is hard for our brains to focus deliberately on things that we are currently doing well. We can change this with the daily practice of simply naming 2 things that we did well. These do not have to be big things. They can be very simple things like brushing our teeth, making breakfast, going to class, or completing a day of work. The important thing is just to focus on the two things that you did well.

3. Share 1 thing you enjoyed today. Like in number 2, sometimes we worry or focus on things that are not right. We forget about the things that we enjoy or cause us pleasure. For example, right now Im enjoying a cup of coffee. Sharing daily one thing you enjoyed helps train your brain to see the pleasurable things in life.

4. Shout-outs. If someone has cared for you, got your back, or done something to build our community, then give them a shout out and highlight what they did. Highlighting someone elses strengths or contributions is a great way to feel better. Paradoxical I know, but somehow - magically - it works.

5. Coping skills - we all engage in healthy behaviors that help us cope. These can be things like taking a walk, listening to music, watching a video or a movie. Share something that helps you cope to help other people grow stronger.

6. Self-help - did something from one of our guides or some other info you found on the Web help you out? Share it because there are people on here going through similar things and can help them out as well.

7. GIFs - yes, these things are very fun and therapeutic. They brighten our days and remind us that life can be innocent and adorable. Keep them coming.

8. Uplifting quotes - Ive seen lots of these already and they are great.

This is just an initial list. Ill update this list as I learn more in comments below.

Also, I want to take a moment to share other ways that the feed will be able to be used for growth and support in the coming weeks.

1. Curated feeds - 7 cups will have feeds for anxiety, depression, eating disorders etc. Youll be able to follow that feed to get a curated feed focused specifically on these issues.

2. Hashtags# - well roll out the ability to tag your posts, so that a person will be able to comb through all and the top posts on items like overcoming anxiety, overcoming depression etc.