Gifts I Would Love to Receive As Someone Living With Anxiety and Depression

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Whether you suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, have a hard time with the cold where you live or are plagued by awful memories, the holidays can suck. One thing that I have found helps me, is gifting things to other people.

It might be a Reddit Secret Santa if you don’t have anyone nearby or it might be donating some toys to a local charity or shelter, but giving and helping others always picks up my mood. Although I am extremely fortunate in my life right now in how my family understands my mental health challenges, my prior family would shame me for being “needy” or “too sensitive" making it important that I made my self-care inconspicuous.

Here is a list of items I either asked for as a teenager or bought myself. I believe these would make great gifts for those who, like me, live with anxiety and depression, but in an environment where they cannot take care of their needs openly. So, discrete mental health helpers!

*Please note that Marie will receive a kickback when you purchase through some links in this list.

  1. Comfy Socks and Lotion Set

Cozy socks can be a great grounding tool. Feeling their texture, putting them on your feet, all of that is helpful for someone who might be overthinking or ruminating. Meanwhile, lotion is great for chapped hands from overwashing or cold weather, and the scent is great for grounding when having a panic attack. These are a must for anyone on your list.

2. Weighted Blanket

There has not been a lot of research proving that weighted blankets help us sleep, although there is some discourse around it having a calming effect overall. The research we have, suggests most of the effects are subjective, meaning people sitting under a weighted blanket felt like they were feeling better, regardless of whether there were any calculable changes in their sleeping patterns. I bought my first weighted blanket recently, and it has been a game changer, and so it’s definitely something I wish I could send back in time to my younger self. Unfortunately, they are not exactly cheap. The well-reviewed blanket pictured below from Amazon goes for $100+, but there are cheaper, $50 options on Target.com. No doubt during the holidays blankets always go on sale too, as a sought after gift item, so keep your eyes open!

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3. Tea to Help Sleep

Taking any medication while growing up in my family was out of the question, be it a sleep-aid or an anti-depressant. But tea, as a natural remedy, was always welcome. My favorite soothers to this day are:

*Be careful about drinking these before driving, and ask a Dr before giving these to someone who takes other medications

4. Notebook and Pen Set

Last year someone gifted me a Rocketbook, and I am obsessed! The idea is that these notebooks are reusable and erasable using water or even a microwave. They’re fun! And since anything can be removed from them, there is no fear in writing something that you don’t want others to see.

5. Stuffed Animal from a Favorite Animated Movie

Growing up (and today too frankly), I found animated movies, particularly Disney, to be extremely soothing. I liked re-watching them because they were familiar to me and made me feel at ease. I would never buy myself a stuffed animal for fear of being perceived as immature, but having someone buy one for me always felt incredible. Additionally, giving them a hug at night reminded me that someone was thinking of me.

Try to discretely ask your friend what their favorite feature might be and go from there!

Did I miss something? Do you have an awesome idea for a gift?

Let me know by commenting below!