Emotional First Aid Kit

In honour of Mental Health Awareness Month, we recommend building an emotional first aid kit to help you in times of need.

For an emotional first aid kit, you gather items that stimulate your different senses to help ground you during an experience of emotional stress. Sensual stimulations can help you reconnect with your body and feel comfort during a crisis or when you are feeling mentally unwell.

An emotional first aid kit works similarly to a traditional first aid kit. You can keep a collection of the gathered items in a box or bag to have available when needed. Choose items based on your five senses.

SIGHT: photos, collage, scrapbook, motivating quote, special mementos, favourite book, a journal, a list of affirmations

SOUND: a special music playlist, collection of soundscapes, a list of people to call

SMELL: a scented candle, an essential oil, lavender sachets, scented lotion, bubble bath, incense, dried flowers

TOUCH: comfortable socks, a special blanket, stuffed animal, fidget toys, worry stone, stress ball, a cozy weather or sweatshirt

TASTE: herbal tea, small candies or mints, chewing gum, list of favourite foods

Adding in some other items such as puzzles, books, crosswords and colouring books can also help occupy the mind and fill time during times of emotional stress.

Make sure the items you choose are calming and do not over-stimulate the nervous system.

What will you add to your first-aid kit?