Overcoming Panic Attacks, Supporting Therapists & Building a Brand with Authenticity w/Jessica Harris & Braiden Belnap

Braiden Belnap
Oct 1, 2025
5 min read

Summary: Every person faces moments in life where challenges feel overwhelming and hope feels distant. Yet it is often in those very moments that the seeds of growth are planted. In this episode of Journey to Authenticity I sat down with Jessica who shared her inspiring story of navigating personal struggles and how those challenges shaped her into who she is today. Jessica has become a source of encouragement not only for therapists and entrepreneurs but also for anyone who is seeking healing and growth. In this blog I want to highlight the topics Jessica and I shared in our conversation. We explored the emotional challenges that can spark a mission to serve others. We talked about navigating mental health and panic attacks with real life tools that bring calm and clarity. We also discussed the resilience it takes to build a meaningful brand while staying true to yourself and committed to growth.

The Emotional Challenges That Spark a Mission

Struggles often feel like a barrier but they can also be the very thing that shapes our purpose. Emotional challenges are not just setbacks they are signals pointing us toward what matters most. When someone experiences hardship whether it is anxiety loss or difficult life transitions those moments can awaken empathy and a deeper sense of calling. For many people who eventually step into roles as therapists coaches or entrepreneurs their work begins with a desire to ease the pain they once felt themselves.

The key is not running away from emotional struggles but leaning into them long enough to understand the lessons they carry. Instead of asking why me the more empowering question becomes how can I use this. Reflecting on painful seasons can reveal patterns about what environments relationships or practices fuel stress and what promotes healing. From there action steps emerge. Journaling emotions daily can help uncover clarity and prevent overwhelm. Sharing openly with a trusted friend or professional can lighten the burden and create space for healing. Reframing struggles as opportunities to grow empathy not only strengthens resilience but also equips someone to support others walking a similar path.

When emotional challenges are seen through this lens they stop being obstacles and start becoming invitations to step into something bigger. For anyone struggling right now the tool is simple but powerful. Write down one way your current challenge might help you serve or connect with others in the future. That small shift from victimhood to purpose is often the very first step in turning pain into impact.

Navigating Mental Health and Panic Attacks

Mental health is an area that many shy away from discussing but it is essential to living authentically. Panic attacks in particular can be frightening both physically and emotionally. They often arrive unexpectedly leaving a person feeling powerless. But while panic attacks can feel overwhelming they do not have to control the course of a life.

One of the most effective tools for navigating panic attacks is learning to notice the early signs. Many people experience subtle cues before a full episode sets in such as shallow breathing racing thoughts or tightness in the chest. By becoming aware of these signals it becomes possible to intervene early with calming practices. Breathing techniques are especially powerful. A simple rhythm like inhaling slowly for four counts holding for four counts and exhaling for six counts can reset the nervous system and calm the body.

Another important step is reducing the stigma around seeking help. Mental health support is not a sign of weakness but an investment in well being. Whether it is therapy support groups or even apps designed to teach calming exercises there are countless resources available. Integrating mental health habits into daily routines is also key. This might look like limiting caffeine practicing mindfulness for ten minutes each morning or taking regular breaks from screens. Over time these practices build a stronger foundation making panic less likely to spiral out of control.

For those who want a practical takeaway try building a calm toolkit. This is a collection of three to five practices or items that help bring grounding during a stressful moment. It might include a journal a guided meditation app a small object to hold and focus on or a short list of affirmations to repeat. Having this toolkit ready makes it easier to respond with intention instead of panic.

Building Resilience and Creating a Meaningful Brand

While personal healing is critical many feel called to extend their growth into the world by building something bigger. Entrepreneurship is one of the most powerful ways to channel resilience into purpose but it also comes with its own set of challenges. Starting a brand or business often involves risk uncertainty and the weight of responsibility. Yet those who persevere often do so because they are driven by more than profit. They are driven by meaning.

Resilience in entrepreneurship is built the same way resilience in life is built through consistent small actions taken in the face of difficulty. One helpful tool is to shift perspective on setbacks. Instead of seeing a failed launch or slow season as evidence of inadequacy view it as valuable feedback. Every challenge in business carries a lesson about what to refine adjust or strengthen. By treating obstacles as data instead of disasters the journey becomes less about perfection and more about progress.

Another key to building a meaningful brand is authenticity. People are drawn to stories not polished images. Sharing the heart behind a business including the struggles that led to its creation creates genuine connection. Entrepreneurs who lead with authenticity often inspire trust and loyalty that marketing alone cannot achieve. For anyone working to build something impactful ask yourself what personal value or lesson do I want my work to embody. Write that answer down and make it the guiding principle behind your brand decisions.

Balance is also crucial. Entrepreneurship without boundaries can quickly lead to burnout. Creating a schedule that includes rest exercise and time with loved ones ensures that the brand is sustainable in the long term. True resilience is not about pushing endlessly but about knowing when to rest and when to rise.

Conclusion

The journey from struggle to strength is never simple yet it is one of the most rewarding paths a person can walk. Emotional challenges can spark a mission to serve others. Mental health tools can transform panic into peace. Resilience can turn hardship into a meaningful brand or business. These lessons are not just ideas they are practices anyone can apply in their own life. Reflect on your struggles and reframe them as fuel for purpose. Build a calm toolkit to support mental health. Align your entrepreneurial journey with authenticity and balance.

If these topics resonated with you and you want a deeper dive into the conversation be sure to watch or listen to the full episode of Journey to Authenticity linked below. It is a reminder that even the hardest seasons can become the foundation for growth and impact.