There are many ways to support a loved one struggling with depression. From a simple phone call to an empowering “empathy card,” seemingly small acts can have a big impact on one's mental health. Redditor bovadeez has taken this approach to the next level, thoughtfully crafting a therapeutic tool that requires little more than a jar, some markers, and a pack of popsicle sticks.
In a Reddit post, Bovadeez explains that his girlfriend suffers from “crippling depression and anxiety.” In an attempt to improve her day-to-day life, he decided to replicate a unique aid for depression that he had seen online. This inspiring DIY craft features a bundle of colored popsicle sticks in a glass jar. Each stick is covered in a handwritten message that is either a quote, a reminder (including: “I love you” and “don’t be afraid to ask for help”), or a tip for relaxation. Taped to the jar is a key that indicates which type of text corresponds with each color, allowing his girlfriend to pick a stick based on her needs.
While most feature these ready-made mantras and words of advice, some of the sticks are intentionally left blank, prompting her to use them as a means of documenting her own happy memories. Bovadeez hopes that, together, these positive affirmations “will hopefully help [her] to regain control in some aspects and push her to take breaks and become more focused on herself.”
In addition to simply sharing his clever coping mechanism, Bovadeez's popular post has let those who suffer from anxiety, depression, and other disorders know that they are not alone in their struggles. Additionally, it has chipped away at the mental illness stigma by stressing the importance of self-care and the power of everyday positivity.
To help his girlfriend keep her depression and anxiety under control, Redditor bovadeez covered popsicle sticks in positive affirmations.
h/t: [22 Words]
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