<font color="blue">Many people know about a security blanket for when they are feeling anxious, and others know about a basket of things to help get through tough times... but I wonder how many have thought about creating one for when they are terribly depressed?

When in the throes of the darkness, it would be good to have something to not only remind you of some important facts, but also comfort you and help you pull yourself up and out of it some.

While you might not have physical "basket" to fill, find something for whatever you do choose. Make it special, and easy to spot, as when you are low you have trouble recognizing anything that helps.

What to put in there:

Yes, you can put a security blanket in it. Or a favorite stuffed animal, or trinket that gives you comfort.

Have a list of important phone numbers with encouraging phrases. If your T allows you to call and leave a message, then put the T's name, number and that note: "He says I can call anytime and leave a message." Do you have a real friend who says you can call anytime night or day? Then put them on the list with that message!

A book or 3x5 cards of uplifting verses or quotes of encouragement

Have a note or pictures of exercises you can do, or have enjoyed doing. If you suffer with other physical ailments, then have several to choose from, from stretching to full running routes.

Do you have projects you wish you could begin, or some unfinished? Make a list of those and see if you can push to work even a little bit on one. If you aren't up to doing anything else, then try something you never have time to do.

Have a favorite book, or uplifting CD music? Put it in the basket.

Pictures: favorite family, animals looking silly, places you have been and enjoyed...

If you enjoy lit candles or aromatherapy, put some of them in the basket.

Put a journal for depressive times in the basket, with a pen. Date the page and write some. Try to put at least one thing that's positive too!

Anything you think of that helps you feel better and be better is a good choice. You might need to make such a basket when you are not feeling so low, but it might help to make one while you are low, if you can. Self nuturing is not only ok, it's good for you. We all have times where we feel we just can't function in the day to day. That is a good time to take a break and pamper yourself. Make sure you don't wallow in negativity, but tell yourself that things won't always feel so bad, you've been here before and will feel better (and maybe that it's been longer since you've felt this way - a sign of healing/progress.)

If there's one thing that just won't leave your mind, take 5 minutes to focus on it, think it through, and then put it aside and pamper yourself.



What else can you put in your basket to help you through?