How to Trust Yourself, An Anxiety Deck by People I've Loved

Anxiety often makes us want to run, but what if we sat with it instead?

This deck, created with Kathleen Wonacott, LCSW, asks readers to dig deeper into the roots of their anxieties so that they can move through them with self-compassion and insight. In five sections—Death, Relationships, Climate, Past & Future, and Money—the deck tackles the most common sources of anxiety that Kathleen has encountered in her practice as a therapist. Each anxiety is then broken down further by what to do in the anxious moment, and what to do in a calm moment.

With 50 cards of prompts, guided meditations, and insights about how to regulate your nervous system, this deck meets today's anxieties with calm. Readers begin to learn how to self-regulate, trust themselves, and quell the everyday anxieties of being human.

Please note: This deck is not a substitute for medical treatment, mental health treatment, or therapy. If you are concerned about your mental health, talk to your medical provider.

About the Maker:

People I've Loved is a small printmaking workshop based in Oakland, California, that specializes in hand-printed and assembled objects. Founded in 2011 by Carissa Potter, the company focuses on facilitating meaningful, real-life conversations—encouraging human connection in a world often dominated by digital interaction.

Drawing on nostalgia, buried longings, and hopes for the future, People I've Loved embraces the full spectrum of human emotion. Their product line is “in search of the miraculous,” exploring the bittersweet essence of existence in our modern world. Each piece they create feels like performance art, thoughtfully choreographed to spark authentic, sometimes challenging conversations between people.

With an amazing team working together to develop concepts and address real issues, People I’ve Loved is all about helping people navigate life’s ups and downs with honesty, empathy, and grace.

Take a deep long breath, things will turn out alright.