12 Things on the Holiday Wish List of Someone With Depression

There are many fun subscription boxes available, and they are also varied in content to suit the recipient. Some focus on self-care, organic products, candy and much more. What a wonderful surprise for those of us who may have limited funds to spoil ourselves.

This could be a massage, haircut, manicure or acupuncture. This would make me feel very pampered and cared for, and is something that is not easily affordable for those of us on a tight budget.

An offer to help with various tasks around the house. One of the biggest difficulties I have as a person who struggles with depression is keeping up with my housekeeping. Knowing I could ask a friend to come over to help me with the laundry, dishes, or just a little general cleaning up, would mean the world to me.

A weighted blanket can help with insomnia, help create a sense of calm and bring comfort. It is not an item typically covered by insurance, but is something that a therapist might recommend. For the crafty individual, this is something that can be homemade, otherwise it can be purchased.

Sometimes something as simple as being invited over for supper is just as wonderful of a gift as anything else. I personally have a difficult time cooking, so any time someone offers me food I take it. Bonus points if you send me home with leftovers.

Therapy is not cheap, and even if it is covered by insurance, this usually doesn’t come close to the amount needed in the year. This would be a great gift for a group of friends to combine funds toward, and it also shows that you support the process and are proud of the individual for engaging in therapy.

Collect a variety of self-care items you know suit the recipient. This can include lotions, essential oils, coloring pencils, a movie, tea — anything that will bring a moment of comfort. Place them in a pouch or cute box. This shows that you both know and care for the person you’re making it for.

Encourage a little art therapy with the gift of art supplies. This is a fun gift because can buy things that you already know the person uses, or you can pick up some new items and encourage the learning of a new craft. Additionally, you can spend time together crafting, which is also a welcome gift.

This is such a great gift to give. This gives the opportunity to pick out any book they may wish to buy, as well as any other decorations the store might have to offer. Personally, I find books to be a refuge on difficult days, and helping to fund this would be a very special gift.

Lets face it, as almost any person with depression will tell you, we spend a lot of time in bed. Unfortunately we may not be able to purchase the bedding with the type of thread count we would like. A cozy set of bedding would be cherished daily and would not be a gift quickly forgotten.

These can be luxuries that we can’t afford on our own and can be a great opportunity to get out of the house and find happiness in something we enjoy.

Not all gifts need to cost very much. Some of the best gifts I’ve been given have been kind notes that remind me of my worth, assurances of support and reminders of my awesomeness. A fun idea would be to create a cute wallet card that can be easily retrieved when a boost is needed.

These are some of the gifts I would love to get, that I assume others in a similar situation would also enjoy. As always, when gift giving, be sure to tailor the gifts to the individuals personality and needs, and when in doubt — simply ask.