If Self-Care Is a Struggle, the ConfIdence Box May Help
Taking care of your mental health — whether you’re in college or not — is a must. If you’re interested in trying different self-care techniques but not sure where to begin, there’s a new subscription-type box that can help.
Four students at Marquette University launched ConfIdence after meeting in a business class fall 2018. The company’s self-care kit aims to provide other students with accessible, practical advice and resources that will help them maintain their own mental hygiene — though its products are not just for those in school.
After struggling with depression and anxiety, founder Mae Haggerty came up with the idea of creating self-care kits aimed at college students.
Speaking about her mental health struggles to “Good Morning America,” Haggerty said, “I saw all these other people [in college] doing fun things and I was like I have to do these things, work three jobs to make more money, be the best in school because everyone else is doing fine and I should be doing fine.”
The pressure to succeed caused Haggerty anxiety and panic attacks, for which she sought help from a counselor. Her business partners and classmates also struggled with their mental health, leading them to create a resource for others who need help prioritizing their mental health. The boxes are a way for college students to recognize the importance of practicing self-care and not ignoring their mental health.
“We like to talk about it as mental hygiene because it’s like brushing your teeth, you have to do it every day,” Haggerty said.
The items that go into the boxes each month are handpicked by each of the founders. Past boxes have featured products such as a gratitude journal, worry stone and affirmation cards. Each box includes a letter that explains the inspiration behind each item that is selected.
ConfIdence’s self-care boxes cost $30, with an extra charge for shipping. It’s not a renewable subscription service yet, but you can manually place an order for a new box each month.
If the $30 price tag is a bit steep or you are outside the U.S., you can also create your own self-care kit.