It is common for many people around the holidays to get curious about self-reflection and improvement. One way to do this is through therapy; however, that isn’t always the most accessible or realistic option for people struggling with mental health issues. Instead, check out some of these gifts recommended by the Modern Intimacy team that support and promote mental health care.
Modern Intimacy is not earning revenue from affiliate links regarding this gift guide. These are our recommendations for mental health gift ideas.
Mental Health Gift Box
“A gift basket of self care items such as essential oils, scented candles, eye masks, and an intention setting guided journal to create a spa day at home It’s the perfect self care gift.”– Imani Reynolds, AMFT
The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Workbook: Practical DBT Exercises for Learning Mindfulness, Interpersonal Effectiveness, Emotion Regulation
“The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Workbook is a comprehensive step-by-step guide to help you gain the skills you need for internal regulation. This workbook provides you with interventions and worksheets that are evidence-based and commonly used within a therapy setting. This workbook is a great place to start if you want to enhance your therapeutic journey.” – Brooke Brownlee, APCC
The Positive Thinking Workbook
“The powerful workbook will teach you to step outside of self judgment and step into self compassion. It is in a self compassion mindset that we allow ourselves to heal and this book will lead the way.” – Rachel Overvoll, Somatic Sex Coach
Weighted Blanket/Stuffed Animal
“This weighted stuffed animal is wonderful for stress relief for anyone who experiences anxiety, panic attacks, loneliness, struggles with mental illness, and/or sensory sensitivities. You can set it on your lap while you’re working or driving, sleep with it on your chest, or hold onto it whenever you need. As an added bonus, you can let your inner child choose your favorite stuffed animal.”– Jessie Ripes, Digital Media Coordinator
Anxiety Ring
“If you or someone you know fidgets a lot or is looking for ways to reduce stress and anxiety these rings might be the perfect gift. I personally struggle with fidgeting and hair picking and these rings have been so helpful! Some rings even come in packs of two so you can give one to a friend, significant other, or family member and keep one for yourself. They come in really cute designs and they are discreet if you are looking for something quiet and small to fidget with.” – Kayla Tricaso, Office Manager & Patient Intake Specialist
Who Can Benefit from Mental Health Gifts
Gifts that are catered to improve or prioritize mental health can be for anyone. You don’t have to be struggling with mental illness to take care of your mental health. Just like physical health, we all have mental health and sometimes, we all need a little help, and that’s okay!
Mental health gifts can be great for those who are going through a hard time with their mental health, whether they are dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, healing from trauma, or anything else that might be taking a toll on one’s mental health. Since therapy can’t always be accessible to everyone for various reasons, mental health gifts can be a great way to tend to your mind while not putting added financial stress on your plate.
People who are just starting to work on their mental health can also benefit from these types of gifts. It can be overwhelming beginning to address and start working on your mental health so starting with something like a guided journal, book, or products can help one ease into taking care of their mental health.
Any human with a brain can be a great candidate for mental health gifts. As previously mentioned, we all have mental health and no one’s mental health is perfect one hundred percent of the time. In the same way we take care of our physical health by exercising, eating nutritious food, sleeping enough, etc, we also need to be taking care of our mental health as well.
Whether you’re interested in your own self-improvement or can think of a loved one who would benefit from one of these gifts, finding ways to take care of your mental health is a gift that keeps on giving.
Happy Holidays from Dr. Kate Balestrieri and the Modern Intimacy Team!
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