Adding More Tools for Your Mental Health

As you continue to expand your wellness toolbox, I feel it important to include these few items as well. We are going to continue filling your toolbox so that you are prepared the next time you find yourself in a near crisis state of mind or are having a down or off day. The toolbox is a key component in helping to maintain your mental health. Let's get the really key tools to put into your box.
1) Your Call List.
This is vital to have. Who are you going to call in an emergency? Who are you going to check in with if you are having depressing thoughts or suicidal ideations? Who do you call when you feel unsafe or even just very lonely? Do you know that you can always call 9-1-1 if you feel suicidal? But who will you call after that to have someone by your side. Your therapists' number, your primary care doctor, and your psychiatrist should all be numbers you also have. If you feel unable to take care of yourself, who is going to help you go through your daily routine to make sure you eat, etc?
By creating this list,  you are also deciding who is best at helping you with what needs. Make sure to ask first as some people may feel uncomfortable just being thrown into a situation of tending to you in crisis. Some people cannot handle that and it is your responsibility to check in with people on your list to make sure they are available to you.

2) Notebook or Journal
This is a good item to have for many reasons. Use it to track your mood. Use it to see what triggered the depressed state or even suicidal thoughts. It could be nothing did but write it down. It also comes in handy as a distraction. You can write a gratitude list. Doodle. Write an "I Love" list (listing the items/people that you love). You can just write the same thing over and over again until it is out of your brain if that makes you feel better. Write affirmations until you fill a whole page. Whatever you use it for...or you can you use it for all the above. It is for you to decide but it is a useful tool to have in your box.

3) Joy Vision Board
This isn't like other vision board or collages designed to help you reach for your dreams. This is a board of all the things you like...the things that bring you Joy or delight. Below you will see mine. I love sunrises, sunsets, and clouds. I love the ocean more than I can even say. You can also see I like forests, camping, hanging out with friends, etc. This board is to serve as a reminder of the things you like doing and seeing. When the world feels dark and helpless, it is easy to feel as though there is nothing that can ever bring you joy again. Your board is there to remind you that there are things that bring you joy and happiness. You can write a list as well. I like the board because it is visual and visual cues stimulate different parts of your brain than just the written word, especially when we are in a dark place.

There you have it. A few more tools for your growing toolbox that will help you with your mental health. I will keep posting more tools for you to incorporate so that you will have a well-stocked wellness box.