My “in case of emergency” toolbox!
As I have been suffering from eating disorders for the past 20 years (yes, you’ve guessed it… not so young anymore!), I’ve been through very rough times. The road to recovery definitely isn’t a linear one, and I’ve learned that even if you start feeling better and noticing improvements, it doesn’t mean that old issues, patterns and distress are gone for good. Good news is: it doesn’t mean that you’re back to square one. Recovery, as life itself, isn’t a straight road. It actually revolves in cycles (it is only natural if you think about it). If you pay attention, you will notice that each time you are going through a rough time, you are approaching it differently – and it’s where recovery lies. Change is occurring inside, slowly but surely.
I wanted to share with you the contents of my “in case of emergency” toolbox – I open it every time I’m stuck in a dark place. I don’t always use all of the tools, sometimes some are more appropriate than others, but all of them work for me. It might be the case for you too, and feel free to add to it (and if you feel like sharing them, I’m always looking for new tools!).
You just have to think about stuff that makes you feel better – it could be anything, and don’t worry if it may sound stupid, childish or even selfish – the aim is to help you get through a difficult time – be focused on you and how to improve the way you feel, even just a little bit.
With no further delay, Ladies and Gentlemen, here are my ICE tools:
–Sleeping! Lack of sleep and tiredness only make things look worse – excessive dramatization full on.
It is really important that you do things that you like and nurture you. Be self-centered, don’t feel guilty. The best care you can give to yourself, the sooner and the easier you will be back in shape.
Also very very important: don’t not judge yourself – be kind to yourself, embrace yourself the way you are right here right now because you are just perfect.
Laurence
I received a lovely shoe box and it is my safe box to go to when I am anxious. I battle mental health and I’m learning to use skills and be mindful of my surrounds. Thank you for my shoe box I really like it. This will help me when I feel anxious or down.
I’m a inpatient in leeds at the moment 17 years old. I’m getting discharged soon and I’m terrified as I’ve been here for almost a year, my sister is 14 and also in inpatients in York, she asked that I be sent this box and when I got it today I cried my eyes out, it is the most beautiful and helpful and kind, it’s restored my faith in people ,just kind people.thankyou so much I can’t tell you how much this has helped me. It’s inspired me to do it for others. God bless you all beautiful people.