Making an Emergency Box....What should I add?

(*Haven*) · Post by **(*Haven*)** » Tue Aug 31, 2004 12:01 am

I'm starting to put together an emergency box. I found this pox that has a photo frame on the lid, and put a picture of me and a friend in there that I can count on in a crisis. And it's a funny picture too!

But what other things should I place in there? I know letters and other pictures and stuff, but I was just wondering if anyone else could give me some other ideas.

Thanks in advanced!

~Haven~

littlethings · Post by **littlethings** » Tue Aug 31, 2004 7:38 am

Well, I'm currently building one. So far my plans include:

- Papers with large circles printed on them. I also have rulers, so I can draw mandalas. I find them soothing.
- crayons
- stationary (for writing myself letters)
- <s>catnip</s> (see cats thread)
- sculpey (kind of like playdough for crafty grown-ups)
- origami paper
- photocopy from Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind about meditation.
- list of art projects I've been meaning to try
- an abridged list of Laura's coping mech. list up in stickies
- advil (individual, small package) because sometimes I get urgey when I have headaches and don't realize I have a headache- if that makes sense
- poems & things I want to memorize
- mix CD with comforting songs

JoAnna[/i]

Boris · Post by **Boris** » Thu Sep 02, 2004 3:57 am

hmmm i should build one sometime...except that i sortof already have a large shrine of comfort objects on my window sil...but maybe that's not the same.

if i did build one it would have:
- my yo-yo
- phone #s
- my favourite quotes
- my favourite pictures
- some letters and stuff that my friends have written me
- silly putty
- bandaids
- random jokes (there are some jokes that always crack me up, no matter how many times i've heard them)
- a cd with songs that remind me of summer camp (it's my happy place)
- something really really really fuzzy

except...i pretty much have all that stuff on my window sil...maybe it would make it specialer by putting it in a box, but maybe i just like it this way

Chimera · Post by **Chimera** » Thu Sep 02, 2004 4:33 am

A favorite book or two that I can count on to take my mind *far* away.

A mixed CD of sad songs to help me cry...one of my biggest triggers is being upset and unable to cry and get it out safely.

A mixed CD of songs that are either silly, or remind me of better days.

A video of the one show guaranteed to make me smile now matter how shitty I feel (Whose Line Is It Anyway).

A note reminding me to spend time playing with or petting my kitties. It always makes me feel better, but I seldom think of it when I'm down.

Some letters from my husband, reminding me how much he loves me.

angelic212 · Post by **angelic212** » Thu Sep 02, 2004 3:46 pm

i dont have any suggestions for you rigth now eventhough i have an emergency box but im thinking of redoing mine now that you have started this post i need to add some different stuff thanks for posting this would be checking your post for replies and if i can come up with any ideas of what you can put in your box i will let you know

love always maria

jaded melody · Post by **jaded melody** » Sat Sep 04, 2004 12:25 pm

This is a bit of a controversial idea but I keep my "tools" in my emergency box with all the other stuff. Sounds weird but theres a good reason- because when i want them, i have to look at all that happy stuff before i can get to them and often it realllly helps calm me down before i get the chance. On the other hand if you went to your emergency box trying not to cut and FOUND your tool that might trigger you so, it doesnt work for everyone. So be careful with this idea, it doesnt work for everyone. Maybe instead you could have one emergency box and THEN another box for your tool but put more nice pretty calming things in there?
I dunno. Just a thought.

Melody xxx

LosingGrip · Post by **LosingGrip** » Sun Sep 05, 2004 2:05 pm

I dont have a box. but I have a Folder full of things such as:

Lyrics to songs which make me happy, or help me cry
Letters/cards from friends/family that are important
Quotes
paper and envolopes so i can write letters/poems/and other stuff
a few cd's that make me happy or help me cry
pictures
book

Hope that helps![/list]

(*Haven*) · Post by **(*Haven*)** » Sun Sep 05, 2004 11:49 pm

Thanks for all the ideas!!!

Here's what I have so far:

Some tiny containers of Play Dough
Three tiny, soft stuffed animals
List of numbers
One picture
Some crystals

I'm waiting for something from one other friend that I know is going to give me something to put in there. I'm refraining from putting my tools in there right now. I don't think that will help me.

~Haven~

Bathelina · Post by **Bathelina** » Sun Sep 19, 2004 7:21 pm

Put quotes and phrases that make you laugh, and a list of things to do when you get an urge. Put things close to you, and if you want pictures of your family. Maybe even put your favourite CDs and books in there so that you can get to them quickly when you open the box.

Sounds like a really cool idea, I'm thinking of making one, but I don't get that many urges so I'm not sure if I need one...

Anyway, good luck.

Love from Hannah

:):) Hope I helped!

limestone · Post by **limestone** » Tue Sep 21, 2004 9:48 pm

things that will ground you, use the senses. so materials, smelly things, etc. basically it's like this bank. you use it/withdraw when you need some help. but it's a special kind of help as you're helping yourself and you know what will help and what won't. It's self-empowering. So what things will make you feel cared for, safe, hopeful, grounded, special etc? and most of all, what will make you smile and relax? put things in that meet that criteria or devise your own criteria. what do you want this box to do? what does it represent? be creative!

bus

Making an Emergency Box....What should I add?

Making an Emergency Box....What should I add?

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