Hi my name is Megan and this is a blog post to tell you a bit about myself and a bit about my project.
I’ve suffered with my mental health for nearly half my life now. Recovery and life has often felt lonely, confusing, scary and futile. To be honest this can still quite often be the case despite having a supportive family, group of friends and social network. Recovery very much feels like my challenge, whether it be from minute to minute, hour by hour or day by day.
I’ve started the Recovery Shoebox Project because of one standout simple, thoughtful and tangible gesture that improved my ability to recover or deal with problems as they arose and still arise. In 2012, a doctor gave me a roll of tape. It was a new tool for me if you like. From there my tape grew to 5 boxes of ‘tools’ and in late summer I started up-cycling old shoe boxes and creating Distress Tolerance boxes to send out to people battling their mental health too.
The boxes combine ‘tips’ I have learnt through my journey, homemade bits and bobs, distress tolerance support, self care promotions and other helpful items. I am now calling these Recovery Shoeboxes.
What is a Recovery Shoebox and how do they help?
When we are very distressed, it is difficult to think rationally and to decide how to help ourselves. Things that once helped may stop being effective, maybe through overuse, or maybe they are no longer suitable. We can therefore resort to using self-destructive behaviours which may help at that moment, but can cause other problems later and in the long-term.
It can therefore be useful to collect new ‘tools’ and keep them in an ‘Emergency’, ‘Soothe’ bag or box, in a prominent and handy place, so that when you feel overwhelmingly distressed, you can go to your bag/box and find something that will help you cope and/or feel better.
You can create your own (or one for a loved one) of course. Or I can help start you off, as it is my mission to provide Recovery Shoeboxes to as many people, who are battling against mental illness, and help support the recovery process.
If you would like a box, or know someone who would like one, please use this contact form.
I received my box today and it honestly made my day, it’s offered me things I never thought of before and things to help me along my recovery journey, and I hope it helps everyone else too, what your doing is great <3
Thank you so much,
Lucy xxx
Rip to a beautiful soul x
Hi! A massive thank you! This is something my GP spoke about with me months ago! I had forgotten about it and was so confused by the arrival! I was astounded about how much was in the shoe box and the thought behind each message, each support leaflet and each support/distraction utensil! I am so very thankful for this! The past week has been horrendous with some life changing news so I was so grateful to receive this in the same week! Always be kind! Thank you so much
Hi I have received a box today and it’s great thank you I’m really moved by what you are doing and I can say I haven’t been doing amazing these past months and today has really put a smile on my face. I’m not sure if you are allowed to say who has ordered it for me but I live with my mum and she didn’t order it for me, I’m just wondering who it was so I can thank them. I’m really glad I’ve received a box thank you. Thank you Megan.
I ordered a box a while back, it arrived today. I have been struggling with coping with my mental health recently and with this whole Covid going on it has been exceptionally hard. Thank you for putting in so much time and love into this project, it really does shine through how much compassion each of you have. My heart goes out to your family since losing your daughter, and I am beyond proud that this is being continued in her memory. Thank you so much for showing we all care to someone, for piling this box with such love it makes a whole world of difference.
Sending all my love xx
Hi!
Just wanted to say a massive thank you to everyone involved with this project. I ordered a box a while back and had kind of forgotten about it until it arrived today! It arrived at the perfect time, it has been a tough couple of weeks and so I really appreciated it when it arrived this morning. It is full of amazing things that made me smile and that I will keep and use when I need them. The whole thing from the painted box, leaflets on where to get support, face masks, stress toys, coloring book, handwritten notes and cards, positivity notes, it is all incredible and it makes a massive difference to all those who receive one. I am so grateful that Megan created this project and that there are people who cared enough to carry it on in her memory.
Everyone involved in the making of these boxes and running of this project is amazing and I wish you all the best.
Thank you again, lots of love x
Thank you so much… my box arrived this week, and it’s taken me a few days to look through everything. I am finding lots of brilliant little things in it, my favourite so far is my squishy ball. Such a good idea, and something I would never have thought of…..
I am going to add some bits, like some aromatherapy oil ( Neroli ) I find it very uplifting, and relaxing. When I feel low, I can now get my box out, and use all the gorgeous things you’ve given me. Rest in Peace Megan
hi meg! i’m thinking of you so much today lovely. my shoebox arrived with me today and it’s full of so many lovely bits and pieces. i’m really grateful for everything & for all the hard work and effort your family and friends have put in. i’m so glad they’re keeping your legacy going strong! rest in peace beautiful xxxxx
hi Megan..my box arrived today and it has made me smile so much .. I had it before I went to school so now I feel happy before school which I haven,t done for a long time .. I feel so alone at times ..thanku so much
You are amazing to have started this.
Hi Megan,
I just received my recovery shoe box today, and I can’t thank you enough. I was just discharged from hospital after being detained on a section 2, and it’s been a really difficult time. I completely forgot that I’d asked for one of these, so the postman was a good surprise today. Thank you for the kind and well thought out package, and all the love and compassion that went into it. It means a great deal that someone I’ve never met cares, when the people in my life sometimes give up on me. Keep on doing what you are doing, it makes a real difference.
With love and best wishes xxx