3 anxiety-soothing tips Kristen Bell would tell her younger self

When you’re dealing with anxiety, it might feel like you’re alone in your battle, but considering that 40 million adults in the United States are right there along with you, there’s no reason to suffer in silence. And Kristen Bell, who fully believes in being open about the disorder and her experience with it, recently shared anxiety-soothing advice she wishes she could tell her younger self. But you can benefit from the intel right now.

For the Child Mind Institute‘s campaign #MyYoungerSelf, the actress—who says she’s suffered from anxiety since she was 18—gave some tips everyone can keep in mind to help fight those not-so-fun feelings of nervousness, worry, or unease. Check out three especially useful anxiety-assuaging tactics to use during Mental Health Awareness Month and beyond.

Kristen Bell has anxiety and depression. We asked what she’d like to tell her younger self.

Here are Kristen Bell’s 3 anxiety-soothing tips for her younger self.

1. Remember that perfection is only an illusion.

In our “likes”-obsessed world, it’s easy to become envious of someone else’s seemingly wonderful life. But that flawless facade is never the whole story. “Don’t be fooled by this game of perfection that humans play,” Bell says. “Because Instagram and magazines and TV shows, they strive for a certain aesthetic, and everything looks so beautiful, and people seem like they don’t have any problems, but everyone’s human. Everyone has problems. Everyone feels yucky on the inside sometimes.”

2. Know that beauty isn’t defined by your outward appearance.

Don’t feel like devoting a whole bunch of time to a beauty routine? Skip it! The only way your outward appearance should affect how you feel on the inside is positively—so make your self-care routine work for you. “You deserve to feel just as beautiful on the days you wear no makeup, and the days you don’t shower, and the days you feel like you’re depressed,” Bell says. “You have an obligation to take care of yourself from the inside out, because that’s how you can truly feel beautiful.”

3. Learn to love the things that make you you.

Oftentimes, anxiety can come from simply never feeling good enough. Bell says to ditch those worries and learn to love the characteristics unique to you. “Never feel embarrassed or ashamed about who you are. There are plenty of things to feel embarrassed or ashamed about,” she says. “If you forget your mom’s birthday, feel embarrassed about that! If you’re prone to gossiping, feel ashamed about that. But never feel embarrassed or ashamed about the uniqueness that is you.”

Here’s exactly how to overcome social anxiety for any situation. Or, find out alternatives to taking deep breaths for treating an anxiety or panic attack.