Mental Health First Aid Kit
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Dear Forum Users,
When we are struggling with our mental health, it can feel difficult to know how to cope. In these moments, having a mental health ‘first aid kit’ can be really helpful. This isn’t a physical box, but a collection of tools, reminders, and support that we can turn to when our mental health needs some care. You can include what you'd like in your own personal kit – perhaps you have a technique or tool that is important to you. If you’re thinking of making your own kit, we've added some suggestions of things to consider below that we hope you will find helpful.
Grounding tools
- A small object such as a stone, fabric with texture
- A grounding exercise such as the 5-1 technique
- A playlist with calming or empowering music
Comforting reminders
- A personalised note to yourself, or a helpful quote
- Photos of people that bring you comfort
- A list of affirmations
- Emergency contacts for when you need connection
- A trusted family member or friend
- A therapist or support service
- Crisis helpline numbers e.g. Samaritans (116 123)
Self-soothing activities
- Breathing exercises or guided meditations
- A warm drink, blanket or bath
- Journal prompts like “what do I need right now?”
Distraction tools
- A book, podcast, or TV show that feels safe and comforting
- A puzzle, colouring book or craft
- A walk, stretch or movement playlist
You don’t need to wait until you’re in crisis to use your mental health first aid kit. Check in with your kit regularly - perhaps there’s something you’d like to add or adjust.
If you’ve found something helpful that you’d like to share or that others could also benefit from adding to their kit, please share it below in a reply.
Kind regards,
The Forum Team
When we are struggling with our mental health, it can feel difficult to know how to cope. In these moments, having a mental health ‘first aid kit’ can be really helpful. This isn’t a physical box, but a collection of tools, reminders, and support that we can turn to when our mental health needs some care. You can include what you'd like in your own personal kit – perhaps you have a technique or tool that is important to you. If you’re thinking of making your own kit, we've added some suggestions of things to consider below that we hope you will find helpful.
Grounding tools
- A small object such as a stone, fabric with texture
- A grounding exercise such as the 5-1 technique
- A playlist with calming or empowering music
Comforting reminders
- A personalised note to yourself, or a helpful quote
- Photos of people that bring you comfort
- A list of affirmations
- Emergency contacts for when you need connection
- A trusted family member or friend
- A therapist or support service
- Crisis helpline numbers e.g. Samaritans (116 123)
Self-soothing activities
- Breathing exercises or guided meditations
- A warm drink, blanket or bath
- Journal prompts like “what do I need right now?”
Distraction tools
- A book, podcast, or TV show that feels safe and comforting
- A puzzle, colouring book or craft
- A walk, stretch or movement playlist
You don’t need to wait until you’re in crisis to use your mental health first aid kit. Check in with your kit regularly - perhaps there’s something you’d like to add or adjust.
If you’ve found something helpful that you’d like to share or that others could also benefit from adding to their kit, please share it below in a reply.
Kind regards,
The Forum Team