…And That’s a WRAP!

People have compared mental health treatment plans to emergency kits, toolboxes, lunchboxes and so on.  These action plans are known as WRAPs (Wellness Recovery Action Plan).  It doesn’t matter what you call it, but it’s important to create your own toolkit of strategies to use to stay well. It takes time to learn which tools work for you and when to use them. However, over time, you will discover the techniques that work best for you, just as a carpenter learns which tools to use for the job at hand. Research has shown that individuals with action plans manage their symptoms better and stay healthy for longer periods of times than those who have no plans in place.

So what do you put in this toolkit? Some common tools include exercise, talk therapy, medication, diet, peer support groups, and relaxation techniques like mindfulness, meditation, and deep breathing,  Others use self-affirmations, mantras, and journaling and practice gratitude.  Basically, anything that you need to do on a daily basis to maintain wellness can become part of your WRAP. Consider what you do when you are feeling well and incorporate those ideas and activities into your plan.