How to Create a Depression Busting Self-Care Box

This is a post on how to create a self-care box for emergency depression busting.

You know, we go through our lives without really caring about our mental health.

I mean, sure we are aware of the state of our mental health and sure, we cut off toxic people, but do we actively engage in healthy coping mechanisms to reduce our pain?

This is where a depression busting self-care box comes in. It is an active attempt to deal with your emotions. Emotions really just want to be felt and seen, and when you accept them, chances are, they’ll just leave.

What is a self-care box?

A self-care box (for depression busting) is where you collect objects that you know will make you feel better. No knick-knack, however insignificant, is useless when it comes to what makes you a bit happier.

What kind of box to use?

• Old shoe box
• Plastic container
• Basket
• Paper bag
• Old bag

There are 2 ways to do a self-care box: A physical one, and a virtual one. We can’t all walk around with an old shoe box full of odd knick-knacks. That’s why I encourage having a virtual self-care box on your phone to add all your favorite images and songs to bust your depressive episode.

Ideas for a Depression Busting Self-Care Box

1 . Depression emergency journal

I recommend a tiny depression journal that you will keep in your self-care box for when it is needed. In it, be sure to write reassuring essays to yourself. This brings me my next point:-

2 . Write yourself a love letter

If you don’t have one already, write a cute little love letter to yourself right now. Decorate it with stickers and sprinkle it with lovely terms of endearment. Yes, I know it sounds stupid but this is the choice you pay to pull yourself out of a depressive funk. Add it to your depression box so you can read it the next time you need emergency depression busting.

3 . Write yourself feel good letters

In addition to a love letter, write yourself poems and essays on the kind of person you are and what you are proud of yourself about. Write about you. You are a being of beauty! Stash this into your depression busting self care box.

4 . Paint yourself something from your heart

The depression busting self-care box isn’t complete without a painting dedicated to you. It can be a self portrait! Or it can be a flower, or just abstract. Add this to your depression busting self-care box.

5 . Write down a list of happy songs on a card

When are depressed, you might need to be distracted for a bit. Read through your list of happy songs and play them on your phone.

6 . Create flashcards for affirmations

Write down some affirmations on a couple of cards. Don’t forget to decorate them and spice them up. Example of affirmations include:

• I am an amazing human being
• I am gifted
• I am beautiful
• I am worthy
• I am deserving of all the good things in life

7 . Collect cute stuff for your box

I like to collect random things that inspire nice memories. I collect rocks, shells, random leaves, flowers, once a picked up a random tree bark.

8 . Scented tissues

Next time you go to a mall, spritz the most expensive perfume on a piece of tissue for your self-care box.

9 . Emergency sticker collection

In order to keep things special, reserve a sheet of stickers to use only when you are depressed.

10 . Write down a list of your goals and aspirations

Whenever you feel down, open your self-care box and read the goals and aspirations that you have for your life. It’s a nice way to keep sight of what’s important to you.

Ideas for a Virtual Self-Care Box

This is a list of things you can do on your phone for the next time you get depressed.

1 . Pinterest Board

Create a Pinterest board to collect happy images and quote images that you know will make you feel better when you get depressed. Add Pins to these boards and go through them when you need the pickup.

2 . Free blog for writing happy posts

You can create a free blog online to post things that will make you happy. Consider writing a few essays to make you feel better. You can post images and youtube videos to help you focus on better things.

3 . Spotify / Music playlist for depression busting

Label the playlist something fun, and add the songs you will put you in a better mood.

4 . Phone recordings of reassurance

Wen you are in a good mood, record yourself on your phone, talking about how awesome you are and how things will always work out for you. Say it even if you don’t believe it! There is something about hearing your own voice reassuring you that can make you believe it.

5 . Phone notes collection of quotes

In your notes app, write down some quotes you know will make you feel better. You can write things by you or by other people.

6 . Movies that make you feel good

Another example of a virtual self-care kit is to create a folder of movies to make you feel better. My favorite ones are Guardians of The Galaxy and Midnight in Paris.

I hope you found some useful nuggets in this post. Be sure to create your own depression busting self-care box and add your own twist to it. Remember that I love you and you are amazing.

Additional Helpful Posts:

• How to Create a Self Care Box for Mental Health Care
• How to Protect Your Mental Health While Being on Social Media
• 10 Ways to Improve Your Mental Health Right Now