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Coping Box

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

Re: Coping Box

I'd like to put in a bubble blowing kit - soap, a bucket or two, a hose and different kinds of bubble wands for bubbles of all sizes. 😄

I'd also like to put in The Litany Against Fear. I modify it slightly for myself and try to remember it when I am overwhelmed.

In response to: Re: Coping Box

Re: Coping Box

I love this idea. I don't have a coping box as such but I do have things I use. Unfortunately when I'm really down, having suicidal thoughts or eating disorder issues I often forget some of my coping things so I'm really thinking making a specific and literal 'coping box' would be an awesome idea. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this thread - there's certainly a lot of ideas I will be pinching!

My coping things are;

tissues

wool and knitting needles

paper and pen

a good outback romance style book

adult colouring in book and coloured pencils

nail polish

a rubber band (if I'm really bad I will put this around my wrist and continuously flick it - gives a sense of punishment that's non harming)

quotes that my friends or family have said about me to remind me that I am a good person and I am loved even though I don't always feel like I am.

photos of my friends/family/animals and me.

In response to: Coping Box

Re: Coping Box

wow @MoonGal I love the silver dial tip. It sounds like it will work pretty well and I think I'll give it a go!

Hugs ((()))

Abiel

In response to: Coping Box

Re: Coping Box

Tell your shrink to get lost. People who are feeling really down need human connection and kindness. Call lifeline (131114) or get someone (if you can) to sit with you while you have a cry and a cup of tea with a blanket around your shoulders. Keep calling lifeline if you don't get satisfaction the first time. Try a mental health drop-in centre or the salvo's for a supportive shoulder to cry on. writing your stuff down can be a great way to share it directly with God, and is healing. Hugging a pillow while you sleep can help, as can self-nurturing through chocolate and bubble-baths etc. or get online at a forum and have a whinge. get through any way you can. Darned stupid shrinks 😞

not that a coping box sounds like a bad idea, but people who are really languishing usually need human connection, kind, caring human connection. tell your shrink to shove it.

In response to: Coping Box

Re: Coping Box

@Terry the idea is to distract from SI or SH thoughts, and by distracting give myself a chance to put what I have learnt into action.

Obviously if the thoughts are completely overwhelming I would call or text a friend or one of my treatment team.

However, if I am thinking of SH, I go to my coping box. It distracts me so I can calm down enough to fill out a Thought Record.

In response to: Re: Coping Box

Re: Coping Box

Probably not really for the coping box but was just feeling down a bit as I do at this time of the year.

But though how great it would be to go to a coffee shop have an ice cold coffee and have puppy,s to pat.

Ill put that as a thought in the box.

Scorpion

In response to: Coping Box

Re: Coping Box

@mathewjakendise - That's awesome. One of my coping things is to get invovled in looking outwards and helping small NGO's with fundraising and graphic design work. It helps to be 'other' focussed for long periods of time, so many hard things in ourselves that we have to 'deal' with. Like the playground builders, do you donate or help them out in other ways?

In response to: Re: Coping Box

Re: Coping Box

Wow what a delicious thread this is, felt all happy and mushy reading all your posts!

In response to: Re: Coping Box

Re: Coping Box

I agree @AmiRemixed, loved reading all your comments @Crazy_Bug_Lady. @MoonGal, @mathewjakendise, @SCORPION, @NikNik, @CherryBomb

Coping Box is a great idea

In response to: Coping Box

Re: Coping Box

Love this idea, this thread
Thank you for creating it
Gonna decorate a bog today 🙂
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