Get Well Soon Gift for Depression

[Tweedledee3Tweedledum]

My DS is currently suffering from depression. I am trying to acknowledge mental ill health in a similar way I would physical ill health.

I have sent a get well soon card, but would also like to send a gift. Does anyone have any suggestions for what could be the right type of item, apart from standard flowers (which I do also plan on sending)?

Whilst I am aware my support is not about providing gifts, and that any gift is not going to change the current situation, I do want to try and give her something that may momentarily provide some relief. If any.

[harderandharder2breathe]

I suffer from depression. When I was really ill with it last year my ex (we were together at the time) sent me a retro sweets box and it made me cry it's not about the gift. It's that the gift is telling the recipient that you're thinking about them and you love them.

[Tweedledee3Tweedledum]

Thank you, harder. That make sense.

[Stickerrocks]

Meg Rivers cakes.

[BursarsFrogs]

I don't know if it's suitable for your DS, but I made a little gift box for a friend who was really struggling. It had at least some chocolate, herbal tea, a scented candle, a "charm" for wellbeing (she is a bit woo), and a card with as supportive a message as I could think of. Doesn't take away the depression, but I wanted to show I cared somehow.

[ConvincingLiar]

Nice pyjamas? Something pampering?

[FeralBeryl]

What a lovely gesture.
I would say it depends on your DS and her interests, is she a reader? Maybe a few books, or an amazon voucher so she can choose herself something. Is she off work/housebound with it atm? Would some shopping vouchers be any use so she could do an online shop.
Or something nice and 'silly' from your childhood? Certain sweets as someone suggested, or a reminder of a holiday you went on as children?
I think the fact that you've considered this will give her comfort

[User543212345]

I sent my very ill friend motivational tattoos from Etsy. They're a bit trite but they acknowledge that depression is shit. I'll also send a DVD of a film I like or a card/postcard so she knows we think about her.

Emily McDowell does great cards for people struggling with mental health issues. It acknowledges how shit it is without the "get well soon" trope. I have hugely fond memories of explaining the "if life gives you lemons I won't tell you a story about my cousins' friend who died of lemons" card to my sister and her 5yo came and asked me "Auntie Sweary, what was her name?" I asked who and she responded "your friend who ate a lemon and died". It was a glorious moment in explaining how tough life is and makes me smile in the bad times.

[PietariKontio]

I was off work with depression last year; I'm not a huge fan of 'soppy' gifts, but it was enough that friends from work sent me silly facebook messages to touch base and keep me up with the gossip!
I guess I'm saying it doesn't matter what you do, but more the fact you do it.

[Sandybum]

Maybe a little 'self care' kit? Nice face mask, bubble bath, posh herbal tea, a book or DVD she would like and a mindfulness colouring book? Like others have said, it's the thought that counts.

[GloGirl]

When I had depression I used to be overly sensitive and would definitely have thought a card saying "Get Well Soon" was telling me to Get Over It soon, so if you can get a "thinking of you" type card and present that would be good.

A little note saying how you've always been proud of him, and will continue to be proud of him. Name a couple of times when life was crap but he got through it. Remind him that he can always call you day and night if he is feeling low. Maybe send him a good box set that you know he will enjoy that's relatively light - like Red Dwarf or Scrubs and tell him to take it easy for a while. Remind him that you love him.

[soontobemrsmckeown]

Colouring books the adult ones help me with my depression

[Stilltryingtobeme]

Look up blurt box, it's aimed at people with depression and I've sent one to someone. You can even add a note to say something specific. I think they're advertised as a "hug in a box". Their website also has some resources you might find useful

[MeTimeOrSleep]

A nice notebook and pen. I am currently off work ina similar situation and something I've found useful is writing thoughts down; whether it be a list of things to do, ideas to help myself, or using it like a diary to record good or bad days. Lovely idea to send a gift OP.

[Teacherontherun]

We bought a friend a voucher fir sime lovely home cooked frozen meals-not Iceland stuff ! The recipient really appreciated it as they said they struggled to cook but knowing a hot meal was just a 'ping' away really helped

[SnowBodyforrrrm]

I second the blurt box. You can also subscribe so he can get one each month but that is optional.

I sent one to someone last year and she really appreciated the thoughtful bits inside.

I hope your DS recovers soon

[Tweedledee3Tweedledum]

Thank you all. Some really lovely ideas.

Yes, she is currently off work, so box sets, reading, colouring etc, I think will be useful.

I think I may have used the wrong abbreviation....I meant sister, not son. Sorry for any confusion, however the posts mentioning son are equally helpful.

Thank you all.

[Tweedledee3Tweedledum]

I shall have a look at all the suggestions over the next day or so, and will let you know what I have sent.

[SmallBee]

I'd recommend googling ' blurt box ' and ' don't buy her flowers ' two really great gift sites for this sort of thing.
Also a homemade self-care box with things like new comfy socks/ slippers, a mug with a box of favourite tea bags, a healthy few snacks, some unhealthy ones, a dvd ( or Netflix voucher) , nice shower gel, maybe a voucher for a takeaway service or a Cook voucher so there's no need to cook but still the option of eating, a handwritten note for him to read.

[londonmummy1966]

It's the thought that counts - when I was ill with PND having people write me personal letters and cards meant the most. Flowers were lovely too. I would steer clear of food gifts. Often what is nice is to have little treats spread out over a few days - could you send her a magazine she likes and then a nice bath oil (Body Shop do some nice ones that aren't expensive) and then a Starbucks card to buy herself a coffee? SO three less expensive presents?

[Ames33]

The Thrive Programne book. Meant to be really good for depression.

www.thriveprogramme.org

[Arcadia]

www.notanotherbunchofflowers.com/
Saw this on facebook and loved it- don't know if appropriate in your case or not but may be some ideas

[ProudAS]

Good on you OP - make it something she will enjoy. For example :

Chocolates
Spa voucher
Voucher for day out with you
Something to keep her occupied

[Mungobungo]

A buddy box from Blurt.

A very good friend subscribed to three for me when I was really unwell and it really was a lovely thing to receive and some really nice things inside. Definitely worth it