Top 5 Tangible Mental Health Resource Tools

As a person who has been diagnosed with PTSD, I have been working diligently in therapy every week to learn tools to cope with my anxiety and process what has happened to me. Throughout this process I have been developing a mental health resource toolkit that supports me along this journey. It has taken some trial and error to find the tools that work best for me and as I have been learning about my physical disability, this toolkit has been ever evolving to fit my new needs.

Are you unsure of what a mental health resource toolkit is? Check out my previous blogpost: https://strengthinmystory.com/what-is-a-mental-health-resource-toolkit/.

Below are my Top 5 favorite tangible tools that you could add to your mental health resource toolkit!

1. Fidgets- These can be absolutely anything that you can manipulate, and can be as simple as a pen that you tap or twist in your hand. Personally, I love to keep a fidget cube, stress ball, kinetic sand, or play dough handy in my home, in my car, and at my desk at work. I will even carry my fidget cube with me to my meetings, because it is quiet and I can keep it hidden in my lap to fidget with if I begin feeling anxious.
2. Notebook & Pen- This is a personal must have for me. I have so many notebooks that I keep with me no matter where I go. Anytime I am packing a bag to go somewhere, the first thing that I throw in my bag is my favorite notebook. I love having colorful felt tip pens that bring me joy when I am writing. I find that when I am anxious if I can start journaling what is going on in my brain it helps me to get it out and helps settle my brain. Sometimes, my brain is in a space where words are not possible for me and in those moments I just start sketching in my notebook or making patterns that express my feelings.
3. Coloring Book & Coloring Utensils- Coloring can be such a therapeutic act and does not require your brain to be able to form thoughts in order to complete the task. This can be completely mindless and allow you to distract your brain from what you are experiencing. I love having coloring books with lots of geometric shapes and motivational phrases, but I also know lots of people who love to color images from nature. Find a theme that helps make you feel calm and color using calming colors.
4. Stuffed Animal- Sometimes you just need something that you can hug and if you are living alone, a stuffed animal can certainly fulfill that need for you. When I ran away from my home, one of the things that I brought with me was a very special stuffed animal and that truly helped me in those moments when I just needed something to hold tightly. For those of you who struggle with sleeping, this is also one of the items that I use to help me feel safe enough to fall asleep and to aid when I have those nightmares that wake me up in the middle of the night.
5. Snacks & Water Bottle- Something that is truly important when you are having anxiety is staying hydrated and eating. When I get super anxious I struggle with getting enough food and water. I ensure that I always have access to a snack that I consider to be a “safe food” or a food that I can eat no matter what and my favorite water bottle.

We can all, always continue growing our toolbox of skills and items to have in our mental health resource toolkit. What are some of your favorite tangible tools when you are feeling overwhelmed or in crisis? Don’t forget to add these to the comments to help all of us on our ever-evolving journey!