Description
This Green Awareness wish bracelet was created as an unobtrusive way for you to show your support for sufferers of Depression, Childhood Depression and Mental Health conditions, or perhaps to indicate that you are suffering from that particular condition yourself.
Depression in all its forms is a debilitating yet invisible condition, and due to the misconceptions and a general lack of understanding surrounding mental health, sufferers often feel isolated and misunderstood.
Fortunately the public perception and attitude to mental health is changing, albeit slowly, and it is becoming something that can begin to be discussed more openly, although many sufferers will be anxious about the reactions of friends and family.
Wearing an awareness bracelet can help to normalise the condition, as well as initiating discussion and gathering support.
Indeed, it is estimated that 1 in 3 people will suffer from some sort of depression or mental health issues at some time in their lives, so it is not a subject that we can ignore!
We are now becoming more aware of the wide ranging effects of depression and related mental health conditions, and are learning how to best support sufferers, be it in the workplace or at home.
You don’t need to be an expert to start talking about mental health, sometimes the most helpful thing you can do is to let someone know that you are there for them and simply listen.
❤️Talk, but listen too, simply being there will mean a lot.
❤️Take your lead from the person, ask them how best you can help.
❤️Avoid saying things like ‘Cheer up’, ‘I’m sure it’ll pass’ and ‘Pull yourself together’ this definitely won’t help.
❤️Accept them as they are, be open minded and non-judgemental.
❤️Keep in touch, send a text or just ask someone how they are doing.
❤️Don’t stop including them in your plans, even if they always seem to say no. They might not feel like socialising, but still want to be asked!
❤️Don’t just talk about their depression, chat about everyday things as well.
Background
This bracelet was born as a hybrid, a result of a ‘what if’ moment, when I combined the popular ‘wish bracelets’ along with my range of Awareness Bracelets.
As a CC, I too craft through many conditions, and this awareness range is close to my heart, as a way to increase general public awareness of a particular illness, disability or condition, and to gather support for its sufferers.
The idea of the ‘Wish Bracelet’ is that as you put on the bracelet, you make your wish, and from then on, the bracelet remains on your wrist day and night, until the string breaks or wears through. The thinking behind this is based on the belief that you do not get something for nothing, thus the loss of a trinket is the price to pay for your wish coming true!
Personally, I had a little difficulty making something that was intended to be lost/broken, instead I believe that if you make your wish as you put on your bracelet, each time you look at it you will remember your hopes, as well as making others aware, and work to making it a reality.
Each bracelet is made using green cord, as in the photographs, as this is the Awareness Colour for Mental Health, and features a ‘hope ribbon’. The bracelet features a sliding knot closure, so is easy to put on or remove.
These bracelets are also frequently donated totally free of charge to fundraising for Mental Health Charities, so if you are involved in any organisations that you feel could benefit, please contact me, and we can discuss it.