Having a Toolbelt
An often heard term for an inventory of coping skills is a toolbox. "Pull out your toolbox. Use your coping skills." This phrasing can get lost amongst life after a crisis situation is over, and a daily routine returns after an inpatient stabilization for someone recovering from a mental health crisis. Inpatient settings generally include a crisis plan being written before discharge. The plan includes a list of triggers or warning signs. Specific coping skills an individual can use to stabilize and prevent another crisis are listed also. The skills listed are dubbed a 'toolbox'. Not all mental health patients have been hospitalized. A crisis plan is still useful in being prepared when a curveball is thrown at you. There's not an owners manual or flow chart to show you what to do. Knowing self calming techniques and self care are huge for getting through moments that rock your routine. For working on emotional regulation (not poking the badgers named anxiety, m...