A hope box is something you can create for when you need a reminder of why your life is so precious. This technique is often used in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to cultivate hope. It is simply a collection of various items that can show you that your life is meaningful and worth living.
Hope Box Objectives
There are several therapeutic objectives for using a hope box:
Identifying reasons for living or goals for the future that will assist in the desire for recovery
Thinking about ideas to put in the hope box that will keep you thinking positively
Encouraging using the hope box when feeling distressed as a healthy coping mechanism
Sharing the hope box with friends or family to assist with explaining what is important to you
What Goes In A Hope Box?
Letters, cards, or printed email from someone you care about
Pictures that bring up positive memories (family, friends, vacations, etc.)
Success documents (report card, diploma, certificates, awards, etc.)
Printed lyrics to a meaningful song
Jewelry that means something to you
Special quotes or Bible verses
Art that you have created or that someone has made for you
Your favorite book or magazine
Significant objects
There may be times when more help is needed. On those days, call the suicide prevention hotline at (800) 273-TALK (8255).