ABSTRACT
One way of challenging suicidal thoughts is to cultivate hope. The hope box is a collection of various items that can remind someone that life is meaningful and worth living. Discuss collaboratively with your client how they can get a box (or a bag, a large envelope or anything else that can hold objects) and fill it with reminders of the things that give them hope, or that have given them hope in the past. They may even want to decorate their hope box creatively. Items in a hope box may include:
cards, notes or emails with special meaning.
photos of special times and places in the past or desired destinations for the future, a vacation spot or an activity previously enjoyed.
photos of loved ones.
spiritual verses, prayers or objects.
recordings of relaxing or uplifting music.
letters or recordings from loved ones offering positive, caring messages.
inspiring articles, affirmations, quotes or poems.
jokes or stories that are uplifting or funny.
lists of goals, dreams and aspirations.
coping cards with skills or activities used to cope with stressful situations.
anything else that reminds the person of RFL.
their RFL list.
