10 Thoughtful Gifts for Trauma Survivors

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Get Inspiration on Giving Gifts for People With PTSD and CPTSD

Shopping for gifts for trauma survivors can feel like a double-edged knife. On one hand, you have a sincere desire to show the person that you care for their well-being. On the other hand, you fear you might unknowingly trigger the intrusive memories or emotions that people struggling with PTSD diligently avoid. The perfect gift ideas are both thoughtful and sensitive to their needs.

Catalina Behavioral Health, a leader in mental health care in Arizona, understands that you want to find a great gift or that special person. The most appreciated mental health gifts don’t need to cost a lot. A well-thought-out, inexpensive gift can be more meaningful than something that might create a sense of stress.

If you want to make the gift receiver feel supported and your wishes for their mental well-being, our gift ideas will be just right.

10 Best Mental Health Gifts

Whether your gift recipient is struggling with traumatic memories, depression, or anxiety, these gifts can provide soothing comfort for anyone in the recovery community.

Let’s look at our favorites:

1) Cozy Weighted Blanket

The weighted blanket has been on Amazon’s “most wished-for” list in recent years. Some in the recovery community describe the gentle pressure as similar to a comforting hug.

It can be incredibly soothing when life brings emotional stress, which leads to sleep disruptions.

2) Yoga or Meditation App Subscription

Exercise helps the brain release endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. When the brain releases this chemical, it lessens the perception of pain, which helps reduce muscle tension and lower the physical discomfort accompanying traumatic memories. Meditation helps the person stay centered and grounded, reducing intrusive thoughts.

Many meditation and yoga apps are available for Apple and Android phones, making help available in a few swipes, or whenever life throws your friend a curveball.

3) Sleep Support Tea

A sleep support tea could be a helpful gift for those struggling with PTSD who have nightmares, hypervigilance, or flashbacks. These contain herbs proven to support relaxation and calm, including lavender and chamomile.

Each of these herbs is good for reducing stress before bedtime. They will enjoy the flavors and your kindness.

4) Body Massage or Spa Treatments

Getting a massage or any other favorite spa treatment brings a feeling of mental relief. Whether your family member enjoys therapeutic massages or a long pedicure, the gift of self-care will always be appreciated.

5) Fidget Ring or Stress Ball

If you need a less expensive gift that will benefit a friend or co-worker, look for something to squeeze or fidget with. These tactile coping tools can help ground them quickly in distress.

They’re lightweight, portable, and easy to access when they need to control their emotions.

6) Essential Oils Relaxation Kit

An essential oils kit, complete with a simple USB-charging diffuser, includes a blend of fragrant oils that soothe. These fragrances may help reduce anxiety and stress.

It’s a great option that complements holistic or alternative therapies, like mindfulness sessions or deep breathing exercises.

7) Workbooks or Journals

Working through PTSD requires self-reflection and honesty. Giving your friend a safe place to write about their innermost thoughts and feelings about the traumatic event is a way that shows you truly understand the nature of their mental health condition.

Here’s an insider hint: Our clients also love stickers for decorating the pages.

8) Framed Positive Affirmations Prints (Free Download)

When someone continually affirms positive beliefs, they eventually start to believe them. Giving them a list of PTSD affirmations puts self-kindness in the spotlight. This gift is very affordable.

In fact, you can download our printable resource for free. Send it to a high-quality color printer, pop it into a frame, and wrap it up to give.

9) Adult Coloring Book

Coloring isn’t just for the little ones. Rather, it is an excellent creative outlet.

An adult coloring book is very affordable and helps the gift recipient engage in a fun, quiet activity that immerses them firmly in the present moment and helps dispel their worries. Look for geometric prints or Mandala patterns.

10) Scented Candle

Some people prefer a softly fragrant candle over essential oils. It delivers similar aromatherapy benefits and is attractive. The candlelight can instill a feeling of tranquility. It’s a good option when you don’t know someone very well but want to offer a very nice gift.

Five Simple Ways to Shop for a Great Option to Give Someone With PTSD

As you shop, remember that your goal is to help the recipient with something that will show compassion and help them find a moment of peace when anxiety, flashbacks, or intrusive thoughts threaten their wellbeing.

Here are some tips to make your mission to give a helpful gift a breeze:

1. Avoid giving gifts that trigger anxious thoughts: These can include things that make loud or sudden noises that might evoke traumatic memories. Stick with something fun and engaging but calm.
2. Seek comfort and calm: Stick with gifts that promote relaxation, self-expression, self-care, or building a sense of safety. These should support them as they recover from PTSD and create a safe space.
3. Skip alcohol and lottery tickets: Many companies give employees wine or lotto tickets as an easy option. But PTSD also commonly occurs along with behavioral disorders like gambling or addiction. You would better support employee mental health by offering your team gift cards to a nearby coffee shop.
4. Connect with their personal needs: Shopping for a loved one is different than buying a gift for an acquaintance. Considering their preferences is a great idea if you know the recipient well. If they love crafts, items that inspire creativity are excellent. Or, if they usually work a long day, explore stress relief gift ideas.
5. Make their life easier: Don’t give someone with PTSD and related struggles any gift that requires extra work. If it takes a significant investment of their time, effort, or energy, don’t do it. PTSD survivors often don’t always have the energy reserves to deal with it. For instance, a scavenger hunt to receive a gift might sound terrific to you; however, your friend with PTSD might not be comfortable with the element of surprise.
6. Be practical: Consider something that fits into their daily routine. If they often miss appointments because they forget to check the calendar, a subscription to a daily reminders app could benefit them. Even an offer to watch their child for a few hours while they take a walk to expel some nervous energy could be a precious act of kindness.

Catalina Offers a Supportive Environment for Healing Trauma

Finding a gift that fits into the everyday life of someone who struggles with PTSD or other mental health concerns can be a real challenge.

But what if you are a close friend or family member? Have you considered that perhaps the best gift idea could be professional help?

Having a conversation about their well-being could be the gentle nudge they need to speak with a therapist and break free from anxiety. Encourage your loved one to call our admissions team today to learn more.