Something I really struggle with is self-harming and self-destructive behaviours. There are times where I feel really upset either because something has happened or because mental illness is dragging me down and I don’t know what to do with myself. I can’t concentrate on television as a distraction. Going for a walk feels like too much because I want to hide away from the world and not feel exposed and then I end up feeling kind of stuck because I don’t know how to deal with how horrible I am feeling and I don’t know what to do with myself. This is where the self-soothe box comes in.
My self-soothe box is all about the five senses which are touch, taste, smell, sound and vision. The behaviours I engage in are strong behaviours and so the self-soothe box needs to contain things that have a strong impact on my senses. It isn’t about what you like or dislike or what is deemed cool or uncool. A self-soothe box is simply about what will help YOU when you are struggling.
So what have I got in my self-soothe box?
- A scented candle
- A stress ball
- Bubbles
- Play-doh
- Lip balm
- Balloons
- A colouring book
- Word-searches
- Photographs of people who mean a lot to me
- A notebook
- Chalk and chalkboards
- Wool to make bracelets
Taste was a difficult one to include because having an eating disorder means that I don’t find taste very self-soothing but you could include mints or chewing gum. An extreme taste is pretty good to get the senses going so minty, sour or spicy food can be helpful but self-soothe is about what soothes you and if a bar of chocolate soothes you then put it in the box. Remember this is about YOU.
This is my self-soothe box:
Mental Illness Talk 
This is a great idea!
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Reblogged this on half past my quarter-life crisis.
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Wow this is a fantastic idea and something I will be putting together myself. Play-doh though! I never thought of that before but it makes so much sense. I really love your writing and your blog I can relate to so much of it. You are truly incredible and I actually find you inspiring, I always have since I followed you on instagram! You sound like my cup of tea haha! Keep going, you have so much to offer ❤
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I’m glad to hear it, I really hope the box helps.
Thank you so, so much.
Keep going xxx
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This is such a great idea! They were just about to start making these boxes in hospital where I was recently and it is such a good idea. You are so creative and inspirational! I hope the box helps you with decreasing self-harm. DIstraction, distraction, distraction! Stay strong! Xx
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I was in a ‘coping with senses’ hospital day group and we made a self soothe box and i love it, its such a great idea xxx
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Thank you so u much for sharing this! I trust you won’t mind my using it as part of a talk I’m having with students who attend my old high school some of whom might be struggling with self-mutilative behaviour. I’ll be sure to direct them to your blog 🙂
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