Anxiety Attacks and Depression - Part II of 32 Things I've Learned About It

My anxiety attacks and depression following my car accident finally escalated to the point where I could not ignore it. My life changed, and I'm on the comeback, but I have learned a few things. You can check out Part One: Anxiety and Coping with Depression here. Here is the rest of the list:

17) You never HAVE to answer your phone.
18) Change your outgoing message to "I'll do my best to call you back," cuts down on the looming overwhelmed-ness of too many unreturned phone calls. 19) Being outdoors helps.
20) Exercise actually does help.
21) Breathing into a paper bag really does stop you from hyperventilating. (Pretend you're in an old movie when you do it. Make it fun!)
22) Be aware of your blood sugar levels.
23) Watch the caffeine. Figure out your limit. Wean SLOWLY.
24) Don't worry about dieting, but if you can just make it a mini-goal to attempt to eat more fruits and vegetables, you can let it slide.
25) Watch your simple carbs and sugar intake. Sugar crashing and anxiety attacks are amazingly similar.
26) Anxiety and depression is a miracle. It means you are telling you that your life  as it is does not suit the real you. You now have a compelling reason to change. (look at the big parts: jobs, dreams, relationships, coping mechanisms, possible addictions, pent up grief)
27) Lowering the bar can do wonders. Ex. I will shower today and everything else is gravy!
28) Falling apart can reap greater rewards than holding it together.
29) Cry. Cry. Cry. Let it all out.
30) Rage. Rage. Rage. (Don't hurt yourself, but punching stuffed animals and screaming in your parked car or into a pillow does wonders.)
31) You are not alone.
32) You are very special person if you relate to any of this. Very special.
We have a lot in common.