Depression Help Basket

<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?

A Depression help basket is a good idea. If I make one I will see if my T will write me a letter to put in mine. I might also include a cd of songs that make me feel good, that could possibly help.

I would put my cat in my basket...she always makes me feel good! Of course I'd put my corn field in there, too. lol I get the best feeling in the world just looking at corn fields...I know...I'm odd!!!!! lmao!!!!

an eye mask (for daytime naps maybe)

incense and small holder (for those who like it)

a favorite mug (for soup or tea)

some real special tea and honey

a favorite picture book or some comical relief, or a favorite film to make you laugh

a crossword puzzle book, and maybe the really tough ones by frank lewis that are cryptic, from the nation

how about some play doh or water paints or pastels and a sketch book

play something from your digital station, instrumentals, old standards, whatever will not trigger you

new notecards with stamps (stamps go up in price next week, btw)

have the poetry pac of magnetic words in your basket, or the romance, whatever you like, and add them to your frig where you can read your inspirations (you can buy these at bookshoppes or ask for them as a b'day present)

have a scented body lotion and bath bom in there for lifting-up emergencies, or calming downs.

a travel guide to some place fabulous you reallly do want to go sometime, like Italy or Vienna

movie passes

closest to you - spa menu

a scented dream pillow - it's little, maybe a half-moon shape, filled with lavander (you can make one or buy on at an herbal health store

okay - i'll be quiet now


my new favorite - doesn't fit in a basket - but I travel around on google earth, last week I went to Fiji and Tahiti

Wow, what a great idea! I love deeply colored flowers, especially oddly shaped ones. I would include some of my favorite pictures of those type of flowers, soothing music, soothing scents or citrus scents, colored pens & pencils and a sketch pad. I want to start a list of things I am truly grateful for and I intend to pull it out when I feel myself sliding deeper into the depths again. I've not made the list yet, but I will start this weekend and I intend to look at it regularly and put a copy in that basket (or box). I'm trying to train myself to think about things that are good, true, right and wholesome. I remember there's a verse in the Bible about doing that--it is true.
Thanks!
Journey

I just LOVE this idea and Ive never heard of it till now.

Mine would have.....Some recent favorite pictures to scrapbook with.
Favorite songs on the Ipod
A Lavender scented candle
My crosswords.
Some home and garden mags....love to decorate.
A picture of my mom and my son.
And I would have to stuff my computer in somehow, lol.

BTW....What is a security blanket for being anxious, cause I need that one even more. (I know, I should already know this right?)

In my basket I would put:

A letter and on the letter it would have family members names and why I am thankful for them

Soft music

Grape Juice (something to make my insides happy)

a movie, a pillow, and blanket,

list of numbers of close people to call just to get my mind off things

Oh what good posts everyone!

I posted in the Sanctuary some ways to pray when you are depressed. Some of you might want to print it off and add it to your basket.

http://forums.psychcentral.com/showf...807#Post838000