Mental Heath Awareness Week - Things to add to your Mental Health Crisis Kits

When I was at my lowest point, I made myself 2 mental health crisis kits. A self harm kit and a low mood kit. In hind sight, I should probably of had a few more for other emotions and situations or maybe one big kit for everything.

Here are some ideas for your mental health crisis kits:

For your self harm needs;

• Bandages.
• Bottled Saline.
• Plasters.
• Butterfly stitches.
• Adequate pain medication (ibuprofen/paracetamol) - 1 box maximum of each.

For your anxiety needs;

• A colouring book and pencils.
• Portable games console.
• Fidget spinner / fidget gadgets.
• Anxiety medication.
• Headphones. 

For your low mood/depressive needs;

• Your favourite treat foods.
• A list of your favourite DVDs.
• A positive affirmations book.
• A playlist of your favourite songs.
• A stuffed animal that comforts you.

For everyday bag/handbag;

• Charged mobile phone with a list of emergency contacts i.e. parents, friends, partners etc. (having funds on the phone to make calls is beneficial).
• Enough money for a taxi to ensure you can escape any situation that causes you distress.
• A list of medication you're taking (in case of emergency).
• Headphones to block out sound around you or to play your choice of mood lifting music.
• Mints/Gum for your dry mouth

Of course these lists can go on forever and can be interchangeable. They will all need tweaking slightly depending on your symptoms and your whereabouts. They're essentially made up of things that you as an individual use (in day to day life, not just in a crisis) to lift your mood or calm your anxiety.
If you haven't got yourself a crisis/mental health kit, next time you're in a stable mood and can think straight, have a think about things that help ease your symptoms and start putting together your kit(s). 

*I am in no way shape or form trying to persuade people to continue with their self harm. This posts intentions is to help ensure the persons safety in these difficult moments.* 

Again, here are some links and phone numbers for those suffering with Mental Health:

• If your life or lives of others are at immediate risk, please call 999.
  
• If you're interested in finding out more about mental health and the different types, symptoms and advice, visit www.mind.org.uk

• For advice and helplines dedicated to your area visit Rethink Mental Illness here. 

• The Samaritans have a 24/7 365 days of the year free telephone service for anybody who needs to talk about mental health: 116 123.

• You can find other methods of contacting a service for advice or support here.
  
• For mental health training and first aid visit MHFA here.

• You can speak to your GP about mental health within working hours. Outside of these hours you can ring 111.