Caring for Others' Mental Health Every Day... with Elle's Bounce Back Bag!
Even before Elle was one of our Youth Mental Health Ambassadors, she always carried a bag full of things that could make another person's day a little lighter and brighter, aid with their mental health and calm her friends down if they were overstimulated at any time. She has life experience with mental illness which she shares, knows the terminology inside and out, and deeply cares for others and their well-being. People call her "relatable" and "easy to talk to" and her approach is always "Hey - I get you. It's ok to not be great."
Here is what you can find in Elle's "Bounce Back Bag" and she shares why each item is important for the care in others!
Disposable Earbuds
I know a lot of people with sensory issues and people who get migraines! They really help muffle the sound a bit which reduces a lot of stress.
Affirmation Cards
Sometimes people just need a good affirmation to get them through the day!
Band-aids
Sometimes people get scrapes or paper cuts!! Ouch! And I've also bandaged up or covered any SH scars/marks which can make a lot of people feel better. And plus we don't want any infections.
Rubber Bands
Some people like to snap them against their wrists as a coping mechanism instead of picking or self harm, or just as a sensory seeking activity for stimulation (common in my lovely people with ADHD, autism, and anxiety!)
Essential Oils
Aroma therapy - Scents can help people who are stressing out ground themselves with their senses! They can be really calming. Plus they're good for people who have sensory seeking habits since it's consistent stimulation for their beautiful brains.
Hair Ties
For my lovely people out there with long hair!! Keeps it off their neck which can be a sensory issue. And it keeps it out of the way if we're doing something messy! And it can work similarly to the rubber bands!
Fidgets
Stimmimg! And it's good to reduce anxiety. Fidgets can be calming and fun! Plus for all my friends with lots of energy, short attention spans, or ADHD & autism they are really helpful! It helps keep them busy!
Tylenol & Ibuprofen
For my gorgeous humans who get migraines or menstruate - how tragic! It helps get them through the day and can take away some of the pain.
Pads & Tampons
Again, shout out to my lovely stunning humans out there who menstruate! Super proud of you for surviving it and I got "chu" whatever you need if you are caught off guard!!
To anyone out there looking to make someone's mental health a little better during the day, here are Elle's go to's to get you started! If you have anything to add to the list, let's keep it going - please email us with your suggestion and we'll add it in.