A new ‘it’ bag for the anxious generation

Phone, keys, wallet — those three things are what most people make sure to grab when heading out the door. But for today’s anxiety-riddled youths, another on-the-go essential has made the daily checklist: the panic pouch.

Panic pouches, or “anxiety bags,” are essentially emotional first-aid kits, per The Wall Street Journal — they’re compact bags filled with items meant to help people feel calm and grounded when symptoms of anxiety arise.

Common self-soothing tools include:

• Stress balls and fidget toys
• Sour candy
• THC edibles or supplements like ashwagandha
• Earplugs or headphones
• Essential oil rollerballs
• Portable fans

The trend has taken off on platforms like TikTok, where creators are sharing the contents of their pouches and teaching others how to curate their own. Google searches for the term have surged 5k%+ this year.

The business of feeling better

While panic pouches started as a DIY trend, naturally, Etsy sellers are now selling ready-made versions.

For consumers seeking instant calm without the trouble of having to assemble it themselves, there are kits priced from ~$12 to $50+ — most of them highly rated — including ones designed by therapists and yassified bags with kitschy labels like “Even baddies get saddies” (this is true).

Packing for peace of mind

The trend has been supercharged by Gen Z, which has been dubbed the “anxious generation.”

• Nearly 50% of Americans ages 12-26 say they often or always feel anxious, according to a 2023 Gallup poll.
• In another study, 61% of Gen Zers reported having a diagnosed anxiety disorder.

While it’s no replacement for therapy, experts say the concept is rooted in proven anxiety-management techniques, though some claim relying on safety items could worsen panic disorders in the long run.

Still, if nothing else, at least this kind of emotional baggage can be neatly zipped up — and, in one sense, they are technically getting their shit together.