Kindness.
Mental Health Awareness Week 2020
2) Decorate your box
Staying connected with people around you
1) Find a box or container
3) Identify the objects or items
Make sure the box is easily accessible for the person for whom it was created
Mental Health Awareness Week 2020
Consider using visual timetables, alarms, and movement between different physical environments, to help structure and break up the day
Differentiate clearly between the structure and routine at weekdays versus the weekend
Make time for yourself
Be kind to yourself
Create an "I'm Bored" jar which is filled with activity suggestions that your young person can dip into when they are in need of something to do
Create a dedicated time of the day to talk to your young person about how they are feeling, and answer any questions they might have
When talking about coronavirus with children, use language and details that are appropriate for their age and development
If possible, schedule time in the day where your young person has something fun and enjoyable to look forward to
Encourage young people to engage in independant play
Be mindful of the news and social media that your young person is exposed to and consider how to manage/limit this if needed
Validate your young person's emotions and provide reassurance
where needed
YoungMinds Parents Helpline : 0808 802 5544
Childline : 0800 1111
Samaritans : 116 123
Encourage young people to access their self-sooth box BEFORE they reach a state of heightened arousal, with the aim of preventing the escalation towards further distress
Write a letter to your family
3) Consider the items and objects that you or your young person find calming, bring happiness and can distract from difficult emotions or situations
The contents of a self-sooth box might include...
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Soft toys
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Blankets or soft woolly socks
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Sensory toys
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Self-care items (nail varnish, moisturiser etc)
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Musical instruments
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A talking book
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A list of songs that you like to listen to
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Photos of people or places we love
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Images of calming places or scenes
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Pictures of celebrities we find inspirational
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Letters from people we love
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A letter of support and encouragement that we write to ourselves
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Inspirational and motivational quotes
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Our favourite snacks (packs of raisins, chocolate bars, etc)
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Nice smelling items (candles, bath salts)
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Colouring books
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Puzzle books
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Pens and paper
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A pack of cards
We can use feeling thermometers to help young people understand their emotions and identify when they might be becoming distressed, anxious, stressed or angry, and when we might need to access their self-sooth boxes
If your young person uses their self-sooth box, acknowlege this through praise and encouragement to reinforce the behaviour and enhance the chance that they will use their self-sooth box again
Make sure the box is accessible to whoever is using the box
2) Decorate the box however you chose
Testimonials
“I have always been in awe at the compassion and drive Clare has towards her work She has such an unshakable commitment to improving mental health services and support. You take every task on with enthusiasm and professionalism, and your energy for always doing everything to the best of your ability is truly admirable"
Manager
"I found it really comforting to have someone talk professionally and personally about such a taboo subject in our PSHE lessons. People have such negative stigmas about mental illness and it's heartbreaking to think that some people blame the victim. Personally, it helped me as I am currently affected by seeing a loved one who is mentally unwell. I know now it's ok to feel upset but what's important is how you deal with it"
Pupil
"Let’s Talk Mental Health delivered our school assembly with passion and authenticity. The topic of mental health is so increasingly prevalent that we were thrilled to have commissioned a presentation so engaging and relevant. During the assembly Clare shared personal experiences combined with training and knowledge, making for a very high impact and informative presentation"
Teacher