10 Gift Ideas for Your Loved One With Depression and Anxiety

If you have a family member or friend with anxiety and/or depression, you may want to buy them a gift that will help them relieve stress or address their symptoms. Some of these present ideas are things you can buy or make; others require nothing but time. If you know someone who lives with depression or anxiety, any of these gifts would be appreciated. I know I would appreciate them.

1. Create ‘I’m Fine’ Cards

They can say “I’m Fine” on one side and things like “I’m totally falling apart,” “I’m about to have a panic attack” or “I desperately need a hug” on the other side. Then, your friend with anxiety and/or depression could just hand them out and people would know what “I’m fine” really means that day. Get creative and take the pressure off them having to say “I’m fine.”

2. Send Empathy Cards

These are a real thing and you can get them here. Sometimes, they say just what you were thinking.

3. Stop by for a Visit

It is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Remember your friends with depression and anxiety may not get out much. Ask them if you can stop by. You may be the only person they see all day and it could likely cheer them up to feel part of the holidays.

4. Send Kind Text Messages

I know this is hard, but I will not give up on you.

This one is huge and only takes a second. Letting people know you’re thinking of them is a big help. Depression and anxiety are often isolating and lonely. Any kind word that lifts their spirits even for a moment is appreciated.

5. Be an Understanding Companion

Just because someone has anxiety doesn’t mean they don’t need to buy gifts for others. Offer to go with them. Understand they need you to help them feel safe. Be there close by and be ready to help them escape if needed. Sometimes we cannot do this alone.

6. Make Self-Care Packages

When depression and anxiety are at their worst, self-care seems to suffer. Gifts like bath salts, nail polish, warm blanket, fuzzy slipper-socks, hot chocolate, a journal, or a beanie to hide “bead-head” would all be appreciated.

7. Be a Shoulder to Cry on

The holidays are extra hard for some. Just be there. Sit with them. Hug them. Bring Kleenex and tea. They may not be able to explain their feelings, but it helps not being alone.

8. Get Them Out of the House

Again, depression and anxiety can be isolating and lonely, and friends may need your gentle encouragement to get out of the house. Keep it low-key. Anywhere quiet will do, even if you just drive around and look at holiday lights together.

9. Set up a Movie or Game Night

People with anxiety often feel safest at home. Bring the party to them. Keep it small. Bring a movie and popcorn. If your friend lives with depression, make it a pajama party so they won’t be the only one in PJs. This can bring a small sense of normalcy.

10. Make a Good Mix Playlist

The saying “Where words fail, music speaks…” couldn’t be truer. Put together some songs you find make you happy or inspire you. Even a collection of silly songs to distract your friend can make them laugh, and that would be great.