Give the Gift of Mental Health: 5 Present Ideas
If you are into the love languages movement, you might know that one of the love languages is gift giving. Either way, it can feel nice to find something meaningful for a person you care about, whether it is for a birthday, graduation, or some other event or reason to give. With so many people dealing with stress and anxiety these days over the recession, the best gift you can give this season is the gift of mental health. As a Kitchener therapist, I am inclined to recommend the gift of therapy. However there are other more tangible gifts that can also be supportive.
With this in mind, here are some very thoughtful, practical and creative gifts ideas for loved ones who may be struggling with stress or anxiety, or who you just want to offer a nourishing and enriching gift to:
1. Weighted Blankets
Weighted blankets have been shown to decrease a person’s anxiety. The weight of the blanket applies gentle pressure to the body, eliciting the same response as a hug or cuddle. These blankets are also great for helping people with sleep issues.
2. Art Supplies
Some people, adults and children alike, have a hard time expressing how they feel through language. But expression through art helps people get their feelings out and does not require a verbal articulation process. An image speaks a thousand words as they say.
Why not head to your local craft store and get your loved one something to help them tap into their creative side. It could be a paint set, adult coloring book, or modeling clay. Creating art has a meditative and calming effect as well.
3. Journal
Some people need to write things down in order to process them. You can find really nice journals for under $20 for that person in your life who is introspective and needs to get those thoughts, feelings and ideas onto paper.
4. Meditation & Mindfulness Subscription
Practicing mindfulness and meditation has been shown to provide mental, physical and emotional benefits. But it can be hard to get started with the practice. Help your loved one find Zen and calm with a subscription to a meditation and mindfulness app. If looking for a free option, I recommend the meditation app Insight Timer
5. Mind Over Mood
There are many wonderful mental health books out there. One I recommend is called Mind Over Mood, which uses proven Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) exercises to shift an individual’s feelings, thoughts and behaviors.
And if you or your loved one would like to explore therapy with a registered social worker or registered psychotherapist, feel free to book a session. Sometimes talking to someone can really make all the difference.
SOURCES:
61 Mental Health Gift Ideas: Gifts for Anxiety, Stress, Self-Care, & More
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/gifts-struggling-mental-health_l_5fc8f6ecc5b6933ec7dd0b9e
https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/gift-guide-ideas
Rebecca Steele
Rebecca Steele, MA, MSW, RP, RSW is an individual therapist in downtown Kitchener. She specializes in offering insight-driven depth therapy
and supports individuals who may be experiencing symptoms related to anxiety, depression, and trauma. Click here to learn more about her online Kitchener counselling practice!