I spent some time thinking about what I'd put in it and how I'd decorate it. Stuck on the outside of it and on the box lid I've put quotes and some things that other people have written about me (nice things!) just to remind myself about some positives.
I also decided to stick some crisis numbers on the lid of the box too. In a crisis, the last thing you think of is rooting around for your numbers that you need to call, so having them right there and in your face is a helpful tool to have.
Inside it (so far, there's more to go in) I have put:
- Dave, my PG tips monkey. A cuddly toy can be comforting.
- A piece of card with strategies to handle voices if they're particularly hard to deal with.
- A colouring book and felt pens.
- A small puzzle book to fill in if my concentration allows.
- A rubber ball that's hard enough to squeeze but not so hard that it will damage anything if I throw it at something.
- Elastic bands, a substitute for self-harm that's less destructive than cutting, burning or overdosing etc.
- A bracelet that was given to me by my foster carers. It reminds me of them. When you feel low it's hard to remember about the people who care about you and that bracelet reminds me that they're always there for me and would be gutted if something happened.
- And finally, a letter from one of my friends that fills me with tears of laughter every time I read it.
This isn't the final list but that's what I've got in it so far. I don't know whether it's going to be helpful yet but what I can say is that the time I spent making it and getting stuff to put in there kept my mind occupied rather than sitting and thinking about the past.
Would you find this helpful? I hope so. :)