For people who suffer from both depression and anxiety, simply getting out of bed and facing the day can seem like an insurmountable task. Though the stigma surrounding mental illness has begun to fade in recent years, some people still don’t understand how debilitating mental disorders can be. Because of society’s views on mental illness coupled with actually dealing with it, those suffering may feel like they have nowhere to turn.
People respond differently to various coping mechanisms, but one man found something unique that seems to work for his girlfriend. Reddit user bovadeez shared with the Internet his creative idea for helping his girlfriend with her depression and anxiety, and everyone seems to love it.
How Popsicle Sticks and a Jar Can Combat Depression
Using a jar, Popsicle sticks, colored markers, and some paper, he created a positive affirmation jar for his girlfriend to help lift her spirits and get her through the tough times. Simple reminders in a jar can really help when someone’s mind goes to a dark place; it helps to snap them out of their challenging state and focus on something else.
He color-coded the Popsicle sticks based on different categories. For example, the orange sticks have inspirational quotes from poets, political figures, philosophers, and other historical people. Yellow sticks have positive sentences and mantras such as “You’re beautiful” and “It’s okay to ask for help.” Purple symbolizes relaxation, and the sticks say things such as “take a break” or “listen to your favorite song.”
He also included some blank Popsicle sticks for his girlfriend to write down moments during her day when she felt happy so she can refer to them later for a mood boost. He hopes that the reminders and quotes on the Popsicle sticks can help his girlfriend manage her depression and anxiety and aid in self-care.
This simple, yet awesome idea could help plenty of people out there who suffer from mental illness. Even if you don’t have a mental disorder, having these Popsicle sticks available when you need a dose of positivity can really help you get through your day. The kindness this man showed to his girlfriend lets her know she is loved and cared for. Someone suffering from depression and anxiety would definitely appreciate this kind gesture.
Here’s how this man helps his girlfriend with her depression and anxiety:
If you know someone who suffers from mental illness, please share this idea with them! Maybe they have a loved one who could make these Popsicle sticks for them, or they could even make it themselves. Having art and craft projects to do can also help someone suffering from depression or anxiety.
When you’re having a bad day, reading something like “You’re worth it” or “You’re awesome” can definitely help brighten it up. It doesn’t take much to get started, and probably only takes a few hours to complete. If you decide to do this art project, let us know how it went!
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