Navigating the complexities of mental health challenges can be a daunting journey, often leaving people feeling overwhelmed and isolated. In moments of struggle, gestures of compassion and support can make all the difference. Whether it’s for a friend, family member, or loved one, selecting the right gifts for someone struggling with mental health can convey empathy and provide invaluable comfort.
Gifts For Someone Struggling With Mental Health
In this post, we’ll explore thoughtful gift ideas designed to promote self-care and nurture mental and emotional well-being in those struggling with their mental health.
Look at these gifts as tangible reminders of care and solidarity, offering hope amidst the storms of mental health challenges.
Let’s see what they are.
This post has affiliate links which means that we make a commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. For more information read our Affiliate disclosure.
Note: Although I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), engaging with this website does not establish a professional social worker-client relationship. The information provided here is for general purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. While we strive to ensure accuracy and reliability, this content is not a substitute for professional guidance. For specific concerns, issues, or situations, it is essential to consult a qualified professional and present your situation. Read the full Disclaimer here.
GIFTS FOR SOMEONE STRUGGLING WITH MENTAL HEALTH
1. SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES
Subscription services focused on mental health often emphasize self-care practices, mindfulness exercises, relaxation techniques, and other tools for promoting emotional well-being. By receiving these resources regularly, individuals are reminded to prioritize self-care and incorporate these practices into their daily routine.
They often offer access to a wide range of resources, such as therapy sessions, self-help tools, educational materials, and community support, all conveniently accessible online or through mobile apps.
Many subscription services provide ongoing support and resources, offering a consistent source of encouragement and assistance to individuals facing mental health challenges.
Let’s mention some that could be good ideas for gifts for someone struggling with mental health.
#1 SUBSCRIPTION TO A MINDFULNESS, MEDITATION, AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT PLATFORMS OR APPS
A personal development platform like that with tailored programs is a great gift for someone struggling with mental health as it offers a structured and accessible path for self-improvement, providing practical tools and guidance to overcome challenges in all areas of life. It also comes aa a great support with its community of people going through the same programs on their individual journeys of self growth.
#2 ONLINE THERAPY PLATFORM SUBSCRIPTION
Therapy provides access to trained mental health professionals who have the expertise to help struggling with mental health effectively. Therapists offer support, guidance, and evidence-based strategies tailored to the individual’s specific needs and circumstances.
It provides a confidential and non-judgmental space for individuals to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. By expressing themselves openly and honestly, individuals can gain clarity, insight, and relief.
So online therapy platform subscription is a valuable and supportive gift for mental health support because it provides convenient access to professional mental health support.
These llatforms offer convenient access to licensed therapists and counselors from the comfort of one’s own home. This accessibility removes barriers such as transportation, scheduling conflicts, or stigma associated with traditional in-person therapy, making it easier for individuals to seek help when they need it.
#3 SUBSCRIPTION TO SELF-CARE BOX FEATURING MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
People may neglect their needs negatively impacting their well-being further when they’re going through mental health struggles. Then a self-care box subscription serves as a gentle reminder to prioritize self-care and self-compassion, encouraging them to dedicate time for themselves even in times of hardshio that’s keeping them busy and preoccupied.
Self-care boxes like this one here typically contain items designed to promote relaxation and stress relief, such as candles, bath products, soothing teas, and mindfulness, even therapeutic tools and materials.
They may feature diverse practices and resources like journals, books, guided meditations, affirmations, games, therapeutic art, and more.
#4 MENTAL HEALTH APPS SUBSCRIPTION
There are different apps dedicated to mental health, offering features such as mood tracking, guided meditation, relaxation exercises, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) tools.
2. MEDITATION AIDS, RESOURCES, AND TOOLS AS GIFTS FOR SOMEONE STRUGGLING WITH MENTAL HEALTH
Meditation is known to reduce stress by activating the body’s innate relaxation and healing response, which can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. Meditation tools such as guided meditation apps, meditation cushions, or aromatherapy diffusers create a conducive environment for relaxation.
For instance, rumination, or repetitive negative thinking, is a common symptom of various mental health conditions. Meditation helps interrupt the cycle of rumination by increasing present-moment awareness and fostering a non-judgmental attitude towards thoughts.
#1 MEDITATION APPS
Meditation apps offer a wide variety of guided meditation sessions led by experienced teachers. These sessions cover various topics such as stress reduction, relaxation, mindfulness, self-compassion, and gratitude. Guided meditations provide structured guidance and support for individuals who are new to meditation or those seeking specific benefits.
These apps can be accessed anytime, anywhere, making them convenient for individuals with busy schedules or limited access to in-person meditation classes. Users can choose from a range of meditation lengths, styles, and themes to fit their preferences and needs.
They often offer customization options to tailor the meditation experience to individual preferences. Users can adjust settings such as background music, ambient sounds, voice guidance, and meditation duration to create a personalized meditation environment that suits their preferences and enhances their practice.
#2 MEDITATION AIDS
Meditation helps individuals develop greater awareness of their thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations. This increased mindfulness allows them to observe their emotions without becoming overwhelmed by them, leading to improved emotional regulation and resilience.
By gifting meditation aids, you’re providing your person the tools they need to establish a consistent meditation practice, which can have long-term benefits for their mental and emotional well-being. Consistency is key to reaping the full rewards of meditation, such as reduced stress, increased focus, and improved emotional resilience.
You can look into:
- Mediation app or platform provides tools for relaxation, mental and spiritual growth, and mental well-being, accessible anytime, anywhere.
- Meditation Cushions (Zafus) and Mats: Comfort is essential during meditation. Meditation cushions (zafus) and mats provide a comfortable and supportive surface to sit or kneel on during meditation sessions.
- Meditation Benches (Seiza Bench): A meditation bench, or seiza bench, can be used to kneel comfortably during meditation, relieving pressure on the legs and back.
- Meditation Timer or Bell: A meditation timer or bell can be set to ring at specific intervals to signal the start or end of a meditation session or to remind you to shift your focus during longer sessions.
- Meditation Music and Sounds: Soothing music, nature sounds, or white noise can create a calming atmosphere during meditation. Some apps and websites provide ambient sounds for meditation.
- Guided Meditation Recordings: These audio recordings are led by experienced meditation teachers and provide step-by-step guidance for various meditation practices, making them suitable for beginners.
- Mala Beads: Mala beads are used as a tactile and visual aid during meditation. Practitioners can use them to count breaths, mantras, or repetitions of affirmations.
- Aromatherapy Oils and Diffusers (paid link): Aromatherapy oils like lavender, frankincense, or sandalwood can be diffused to create a calming and sensory-rich environment for meditation.
- Breathing Exercise Tools: These tools, such as breathing apps or devices, guide users through different breathing exercises, including deep breathing and pranayama techniques.
- Meditation Books: Books on mindfulness and meditation offer valuable insights and instructions for developing a meditation practice and cultivating mindfulness in daily life.
- Binaural Beats: Audio tracks with binaural beats are designed to induce specific brainwave states, aiding in relaxation and deepening meditation experiences.
- Biofeedback Devices: Advanced biofeedback devices can provide real-time data on physiological responses, helping individuals monitor their stress levels and learn to manage them through meditation.
- Meditation Retreats: Attending meditation retreats or workshops led by experienced teachers can be a transformative experience for deepening one’s practice.
3. GUIDED JOURNALS AND WORKBOOKS AS GIFTS FOR SOMEONE STRUGGLING WITH MENTAL HEALTH
Guided journals and workbooks provide structured prompts and exercises that guide individuals through the process of self-reflection and introspection. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing difficulty organizing their thoughts or articulating their emotions.
Writing in a guided journal or workbook offers a safe and non-judgmental outlet for expressing emotions and processing difficult experiences. This can help individuals externalize their thoughts and feelings, gaining clarity and perspective on their mental health challenges.
Additionally, they can complement therapy or counseling by providing individuals with additional tools and resources for self-guided exploration and growth. They offer a way to continue therapeutic work outside of sessions and reinforce the skills learned in therapy.
Paid link: A Year of Self-Care: Daily Practices and Inspiration for Caring for Yourself (A Year of Daily Reflections)
This is a 12-week anxiety and self care journal that will help your gift recipient process what’s occupying their mind and gently re-frame their thoughts, so they can manage their worries before spiralling out of control. This could potentially help them if they are feeling anxious even to start self-exploration.
It was designed to meet them where they are and guide them to developing a practice of dedicating a few minutes a day to reflect on their thoughts, detect the sources of anxiety, and prioritize their overall wellness and mental health. This is dedicating a few minutes to themselves they really need.
It has:
- Daily Journaling Pages
- Self-Care Ideas
- Therapy Reflections
- Emotional Support Cheat Sheet
- Fear-Setting Exercises
- Habit Trackers
- Monthly Progress
Paid link: Self-Love Workbook and Journal For Women: Release Self-doubt, Build Self-compassion, and Embrace Who You Are
Help your gift recipient embrace who they are with this guided self-love book for women of any age and any background. They’ll embark on your journey of self-discovery by learning what self-love is, and then immersing themselves in exercises to help them build their self-esteem and improve or elevate their relationships.
This very successful self-Love workbook created by a fellow Megan Logan, LCSW is designed with a clear intention to empower women on their journey of self-discovery and self-love
The self-love workbooks typically include exercises, prompts, and activities that encourage self-reflection, self-compassion, and self-care, in addition to practical tools and strategies for setting boundaries, managing stress and anxiety, and cultivating healthy habits.
By giving someone a self-love workbook, you are providing them with a valuable resource that can empower them to take control of their mental and emotional health, develop a more positive and compassionate relationship with themselves, and ultimately, improve their overall well-being.
I’ve collected a few helpful Self-Love Workbooks in my post: The Best Self-Love Workbooks To Help You Finally Break Free From Self-judgement Through Self-Compassion And Self-Acceptance.
Paid link: Self-Love Workbook for Black Women: Empowering Exercises to Build Self-Compassion and Nurture Your True Self (Self-Love Workbook and Journal)
African American woman especially may be juggling many roles can leave little time for self-care. With this in mind, here’s an empowering self-love and self-care workbook designed to help them prioritize their joy, healing, and growth, with affirmations and exercises that nurture authentic self.
Help your recipient embrace self-love, build inner peace, and cultivate confidence while exploring themes of self-compassion and community.
TRANSFORMING THE LIVING LEGACY OF TRAUMA: A WORKBOOK FOR SURVIVORS AND THERAPISTS
Dr. Janina Fisher, international expert on trauma, who has worked with survivors for over 40 years now created a resource that explains how traumatic experiences have lasting effects that persist for years and traditional methods of re-telling the story to resolve them may actually overwhelm survivors.
This way survivors can become victims of re-traumatization and secondary victimization because they keep “reliving” their experience by being asked to talk about it repeatedly.
And her workbook offers step-by-step strategies, diagrams, and worksheets to help survivors understand and work with their symptoms to transform the legacy of trauma, emotionally heal, and find relief and rejuvenation. If your person is having a hard time due to the consequences of past trauma, this may just be the perfect gift that comes in at the perfect time.
SHOW UP FOR YOURSELF – GRATITUDE JOURNAL
If your gift recipient would benefit from transforming their daily routine with the power of gratitude, scientifically proven to produce a number of benefits to physical and mental health, such as better sleep, improved mood and a boosted immune system, consider buying them the Show Up For Yourself Gratitude Journal.
They can experience more fulfillment and tranquility as they’re guided through six months of self-discovery, getting an opportunity each day to cultivate a higher level of positivity and reduce stress. And indulge in daily reflections featuring morning and evening sections to start and end their day on a positive note.
By regularly noting down things to be grateful for, anyone can begin shifting attitude from self-criticism to self-appreciation. Additionally, prompts within the journal can invite to acknowledge strengths, accomplishments, and moments of personal growth, reinforcing a sense of self-worth.
Conveniently, this journal’s undated pages ensure they can pick up right where they left off, fostering consistency without pressure.
THE 1% BETTER EVERY DAY JOURNAL
In case your gift recipient is on a mission to become the aspired version of themselves they could consider The 1% Journal.
This journal isn’t a notebook; they can commit to looking at it as their personal development accountability partner in paper form. And rely on it to guide them through morning and nightly routines carefully with an aim to transform their life over the course of 140 days.
Inside The 1% Journal, they’ll find:
- 20 weeks of self-improvement: Tackle exercises and reflections that will push them to grow, one day at a time.
- Daily doses of inspiration: Quotes that will fire them up and keep them motivated when the going gets tough.
- Weekly reflections: Review their progress, celebrate their wins, and course-correct where needed.
- Long-term goal planning: Map out dreams and create a roadmap to turn them into reality.
- Daily productivity goals: Focus on achievable tasks that will uplevel their efficiency and make every day count.
52-Week Mental Health Journal: Guided Prompts and Self-Reflection to Reduce Stress and Improve Wellbeing
This is a year-long Mental Health Journal designed to aid your person in navigating the core pillars of good mental health so they can thrive in all areas of your life:
- calm and resiliency,
- connection and engagement,
- goals and purpose, and
- healthy living.
It can help them with being more attentive to their emotional needs, improving their mood, and defining the right goals for themselves.
A 52-week mental health journal includes:
- Quick and effective prompts to use for a few minutes each day
- Evidence-based methods transformed into exercises and research-supported techniques (For example, from cognitive behavioral therapy.)
- Inspirational quotes of wisdom from philosophers, artists, writers, and others.
Paid link: SELF-LOVE JOURNAL FOR WOMEN: Prompts and Practices for Your Journey to Self-Worth, Self-Care, and Self-Acceptance (Workbook and Journal)
Self-love journals often include prompts for self-care activities and practices. By prioritizing self-care and making it a regular part of their routine, your gift recipient can nurture their physical, emotional, and mental well-being. This Self-Love journal includes prompts and practices for taking a path of self-worth, self-care, and self-acceptance.
Through this type of journaling, they can practice self-compassion by treating themselves with kindness, understanding, and acceptance. This self-compassion is essential for healing and growth, as it allows them to embrace their worthiness.
Women everywhere encounter unrealistic societal expectations that lead to feelings of overwhelm and discontent with themselves. However, discovering the path to self-love and embracing their uniqueness can significantly alter your person’s perspective on life, and this guided journal is designed for just that.
Paid link: The 5-Minute Self-Care Journal for Women: Prompts, Practices, and Affirmations to Prioritize You
This journal offers quick and easy self-care practices for your person to meet their needs amidst a busy life.
It stands out with 150 uplifting prompts promoting growth mindset, mindfulness, and positive intentions.
They’ll neet to spend just 5 minutes on self-care with its effortless questions, affirmations, and actions.
Plus, its user-friendly design makes reflection recording enjoyable.
Paid link: Self-Love Journal for Teen Girls: Prompts and Practices to Inspire Confidence and Celebrate You
Start the new year by encouraging the teen girls in your life to embrace self-love and confidence.
The Self-Love Journal for Teen Girls offers affirmations, reflective prompts, and creative activities that help them understand their emotions and celebrate their uniqueness.
With uplifting quotes and practical exercises, it’s a powerful tool for fostering self-awareness, self-worth, and self-care.
ANXIETY RELIEF ACTIVITY BOOK: DRAW, PAINT, COLOR, DOODLE, AND WRITE YOUR WAY TO CALM
Mental health workbook is a resource designed to support self-reflection, growth, healing and well-being.
This thoughtful gift for is good for mental health as it can help them ease anxiety by redirecting their thoughts with gentle yet engaging activities that occupy the mind and hands in this anxiety activity book.
It’s delivered by a certified art therapist and features uncomplicated drawing, painting, coloring, and writing tasks, ensuring a relaxed state as they immerse themselves in creative pursuits.
THE COMPLETE SHADOW WORK WORKBOOK & JOURNAL: EXERCISES AND PROMPTS TO PRIORITIZE YOUR WELL-BEING AND HEAL OLD WOUNDS
Your person can confront their fears and initiate healing with this comprehensive guide to shadow work, which includes reflective tasks and in-depth journaling prompts.
Our shadow mind houses unconscious elements like fear, shame, and trauma. And engaging in shadow work entails acknowledging and embracing this aspect of ourselves, thereby dismantling limiting beliefs.
This journal and workbook offer strategies to delve into the shadow mind, growing self-awareness and facilitating healing. With an introduction to shadow work, exercises, and expert guidance, this resource equips your gift recipient to take a path of true self-discovery and transformation.
If you found the information on the blog helpful & inspirational and you feel like giving back, you can do it by clicking the donate button after entering amount you’re comfortable with. I’ll use it to create and deliver more useful content and resources like this. Thanks for your precious contribution!
4. MINDFULNESS TOOLS AND RESOURCES AS GIFTS FOR SOMEONE STRUGGLING WITH MENTAL HEALTH
Mindfulness is the practice of intentionally paying attention to the present moment with openness, curiosity, and non-judgment. It involves observing one’s thoughts, emotions, bodily sensations, and surrounding environment with a sense of awareness and acceptance.
Mindfulness practices are known to reduce stress and anxiety by fostering a greater sense of calm and relaxation.
#1 MINDFULNESS JOURNALS
Engaging in mindful writing exercises encourages they get to be present in the moment, focusing their attention on their inner experiences without judgment.
This can help reduce stress, anxiety, and rumination by fostering a sense of calm and acceptance.
#2 MINDFULNESS BOOK
The Miracle of Mindfulness: An Introduction to the Practice of Meditation by Thich Nhat Hanh introduces readers to mindfulness meditation, offering practical guidance for incorporating mindfulness into everyday life.
The book explores the benefits of mindfulness, such as reduced stress, increased focus, and a greater sense of well-being. It guides you on how to use mindfulness to reduce stress, improve relationships, and experience greater happiness and inner peace.
And includes exercises and meditations to help with cultivating mindfulness in your daily life, such as mindful breathing, walking, eating, and working.
#3 MINDFULNESS CARDS
Mindfulness cards often feature a variety of mindfulness exercises, techniques, and prompts designed to cultivate present-moment awareness, relaxation, and stress reduction. These practices may include breathing exercises, guided meditations, self-reflection prompts, and gratitude exercises.
These make nice gifts for mental health support because they provide accessible and practical tools for promoting self-awareness, relaxation, and emotional well-being.
#4 STRESS-RELIEF COLORING BOOKS WITH MINDFUL PATTERNS
Coloring intricate patterns in a stress relief coloring book encourages focusing attention on the present moment, promoting mindfulness and concentration. Engaging in this mindful activity can help quiet the mind, reduce rumination, and alleviate feelings of unease and anxiety.
#5 MINDFULNESS-BASED THERAPIES
Therapeutic approaches such as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) incorporate mindfulness practices into treatment for various mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and chronic pain.
#6 MINDFULNESS APPS
Mobile applications provide a convenient way to access guided meditations, mindfulness exercises, and breathing techniques anytime, anywhere. Popular apps include Headspace, Calm, Insight Timer, and Buddhify.
#7 MINDFULNESS RETREATS
Residential retreats provide immersive experiences for deepening mindfulness practice, often led by experienced teachers in tranquil settings. These retreats offer an opportunity for intensive practice and reflection.
5. BOOKS ON MENTAL HEALTH AS GIFTS FOR SOMEONE STRUGGLING WITH MENTAL HEALTH
Reading about mental health can empower your person by providing them with knowledge and tools to manage their condition, cope with symptoms, and seek appropriate support.
On top of this some mental health books include personal stories and experiences that validate the struggles and feelings of others like them, helping them feel less alone and more understood.
#1 THE BODY KEEPS THE SCORE: BRAIN, MIND, AND BODY IN THE HEALING OF TRAUMA BY BESSEL VAN DER KOLK
This is a groundbreaking book that offers a comprehensive understanding of psychological and physiological effects of trauma, or how trauma affects the brain and the body, and how these effects can be treated. It’s written by a psychiatrist and trauma expert with 30 years of experience in working with trauma survivors, Bessel van der Kolk.
It offers practical tools and strategies for healing and recovery, presenting a wealth of research and clinical experience that sheds light on the ways in which trauma can disrupt the body’s natural balance and lead to a variety of physical and psychological symptoms. If trauma is what caused your person to need emotional support right now this may be the perfect choice.
#2 START WHERE YOU ARE: A GUIDE TO COMPASSIONATE LIVING BY PEMA CHÖDRON
This book is a spiritual guide that draws on the teachings of Tibetan Buddhism to offer practical advice for cultivating mindfulness and compassion in everyday life. It emphasizes the importance of embracing the present moment and developing a kind and open-hearted relationship with oneself.
The author Pema Chödrön encourages readers to start their journey of self-discovery and transformation exactly where they are, without judgment. She guides readers on a path toward greater awareness, resilience, and genuine compassion for themselves and others.
#3 LOST CONNECTIONS: UNCOVERING THE REAL CAUSES OF DEPRESSION – AND THE UNEXPECTED SOLUTIONS BY JOHANN HARI
“Lost Connections” examines the underlying causes of depression and offers practical solutions that go beyond medication, including addressing societal issues and improving social connections.
Moreover, “Lost Connections” challenges the traditional medical model of treating depression with medication and offers a more holistic approach to understanding and treating this common mental health issue.
Hari argues that depression is not solely caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain, but rather by a combination of social, psychological, and environmental factors, so the book explores nine different causes of depression, including disconnection from meaningful work, disconnection from other people, and disconnection from nature.
Hari also offers solutions to address these causes, including incorporating more nature into our lives, rethinking the way we approach work, and building stronger social connections.
#4 THINKING, FAST AND SLOW BY DANIEL KAHNEMAN
Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman is a book by Nobel Prize-winning economist and psychologist, who explores the way we think and make decisions, offering insight into how biases and cognitive errors can impact our lives and providing practical strategies for better decision-making.
The book is a focused on introducing the two systems that drive how we think and make decisions: System 1, which is fast, intuitive, and emotional, and System 2, which is slower, more deliberative, and logical.
Through engaging stories, psychological experiments, and personal anecdotes, Kahneman shows how these two systems can work together, but can also lead to biases, errors in judgment, and irrational decisions. He also introduces concepts such as cognitive illusions, the halo effect, and the availability heuristic, which can influence our decision-making.
6. GIFT CARDS
Gift cards can be helpful for someone struggling with mental health by providing them with the flexibility to access resources, services, and experiences that support their well-being.
You crovide gift cards for activities that promote relaxation, such as massages, yoga classes, or spa treatments.
Latest Posts:
- Helpful Tips For Teaching Your Child About Credit
- Stuff to Say About Yourself (A Guide to Talking About Who You Are)
- Why It’s About Time To Start Celebrating A Mischievous Child Who Disobeys
- How To Be A Responsive Parent (Nurture Your Child’s Confidence and Emotional Stability)
- Why Responsive Parenting Is Important For Raising Emotionally Healthy Children
- 5 Ways To Treat Yourself After a Long Week With Your Kids
FINAL THOUGHTS ON GIFTS FOR SOMEONE STRUGGLING WITH MENTAL HEALTH
As we conclude our exploration of gifts for someone struggling with mental health, let us remember the profound impact of small acts of kindness.
Each gift on this list carries with it the potential to provide support, encouragement, and a sense of connection. Whether it’s a simple token of understanding or a carefully curated self-care package, the intention behind the gift speaks volumes.
I hope you found the perfect gift(s) for someone who is struggling with their mental health by now and I’ll see you in my next post! Here’s one:
Leave a Reply