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Coping Box

Crazy_Bug_LadySenior Contributor23 Mar 2015, 2:28 pm AEDT

Coping Box

Hi Guys,

My psychologist came up with an awesome idea to help me when I'm feeling urges to SH or suicidal or if I'm having a hard time coping.

It's called a Coping Box. You get a box and put things in that are helpful to you. So I have a good book, a disney movie, pictures of my pets and animals. It's also got some puzzles, a stuffed toy and a video game.

So @NikNik and I thought it'd be good to make one here for members. We can put in photos and quotes and all sorts of good things to help remind what we are fighting for.

I'm gonna put in some caramello koalas, and my favourite fuzzy blanket so you can wrap yourself up at feel cozy and safe.

I will also throw in a 'hug'. So if you ever need a hug, come over here and I'll be waiting and ready with a hug and ready to listen.

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In response to: Coping Box

ethSenior Contributor05 July 2019, 10:55 am AEST

Re: Coping Box

Hi @Shaz51 I think boosting this thread is a fantastic idea. Thankyou.

I will add a favourite healthy meal, such as tacos - would post a picture but not possible atm. And plenty of water to drink. And definitely a banana and an avocado as they really seem to ground me.

Then a craft activity - for me it would be crochet materials.

And if it would fit I'd put a big deep bathtub (!) and some aromatherapy essences.

I have something called a WRAP - wellness recovery action plan - and in it I have a 'Toolbox' list of things I do when I'm well to look at when I'm not and get inspired by. So I'd include a copy of that list in my coping box for sure.

Looking forward to other people's ideas.

In response to: Re: Coping Box

Gazza75Senior Contributor05 July 2019, 3:35 pm AEST

Re: Coping Box

A suggestion I've seen around is to use flash cards with positive thoughts or affirmations on them. I'd have some aromatic cream as I find them really soothing to use as well. A little goes a long way. Colouring books for hobby and distraction. I nearly forgot my weighted blanket.

I found also a sauna, spa and swimming helped me cope with things when I was really struggling.

"I am conquering my illness; I am defeating it steadily each day"

Great thread and ideas @eth, @Shaz51 and @Crazy_Bug_Lady .

In response to: Re: Coping Box

Shaz51Senior Contributor05 July 2019, 4:21 pm AEST

Re: Coping Box

i agree @eth , @Gazza75

In response to: Re: Coping Box

ethSenior Contributor06 July 2019, 9:22 am AEST

Re: Coping Box

@Former-Member this is the thread I mentioned.

In response to: Coping Box

Daisy15Contributor11 July 2019, 8:03 pm AEST

Re: Coping Box

Thanks for this idea. In my coping box id put some of my music dvds, fried rice, dark chocolate with almonds and a bath or shower and my slippers. Thanks @Shaz51. Id love a hug sometimes too. 🙂

In response to: Re: Coping Box

SvetyCasual Contributor15 July 2019, 12:31 am AEST

Re: Coping Box

Thank you for tagging me on this @Shaz51

I would put the beach and the ocean when it's warm enough to swim.

The sun when it's nice and warm and I can lay and read in it for hours.

A nice hot shower.

I really yummy meal.

In response to: Re: Coping Box

Lise07Senior Contributor16 July 2019, 8:38 pm AEST

Re: Coping Box

Hello everyone,

Great thread! When I'm unwell I find it very hard to know what I need or to make decisions, so find myself scrambling to think of things like this - but then when I'm well I find it difficult to remember to write those things down.

I would put exercise videos (the more intense/ridiculous the better), singing along to musicals, and video games.

Edit: I'm trying to write this on my phone and accidentally posted too early

In response to: Re: Coping Box

Faith-and-HopeSenior Contributor16 July 2019, 8:41 pm AEST