Joyous Jars Start Up

Although I could speak of my own experiences, which have undoubtedly given me a passion to try to help others as best I can, I feel numbers may be more impactful.

Taken from nami.org: 61.5 million people in America alone are affected by mental illness and the third leading cause of hospitalization is caused by mood disorders, such as depression. It's an alarming statistic, especially considering it was drawn from just one country.

I had an idea for a special care package that I wanted to create for myself and a friend. The more I thought about it, the more I wanted to be able to make it something that many people could have access to through me. I know so many people who struggle with mental illness and in turn, coping healthily that I would love to send this type of package to, but unfortunately, I simply do not have the funds to make this a reality. Initially I wanted to open a storenvy where people who wanted one could purchase said package, but I realized it may not be affordable for everyone.

So what's my idea? In a nutshell: a "distraction jar" and small starter care package. I would consistently include a mason jar, paper strips, and gel pens for writing down as many distractions as possible. The care package contents would vary, but would include items to serve as means of self care when the recipient needs in order to try to work through negative feelings and not engage in harmful behaviors. Coloring books, journals, plushies, bath bombs, bubbles, and mini food kits are just some of the items I've brainstormed to want to include (that's not everything, though - surprises are fun, so I don't want to tell all!). I would also want to make the packages customizable to an extent, while still holding an element of surprise. Recipients would have the ability to choose a more masculine or feminine oriented box and color theme; letting me know of any allergies to food or aversion to certain scents would be encouraged in the note to seller at checkout. If the recipient was comfortable in giving a short list of what they struggle with so I could make a box geared more appropriately for them, they could, but this information is personal and certainly wouldn't be required to give.

I want to have enough faith in people to make an honor system based shop, where pricing is divided into three tiers: full price, just the price of shipping, and completely free. The donations used for this project will go to those who would receive their packages for free. I am projecting each package to come to $30 each, meaning that if this project is to get funded, 50 people could get a distraction jar and starter care kit at no cost at all.

I am aware that having a jar full of distractions is not going to cure anyone's mental illness or magically make someone who is sad, happy, however, I'm hoping that it can potentially influence people to cope healthily if it's something that is a struggle. Sometimes letting time pass and participating in self care rather than destruction is the difference between a long and restless day or night and having solace and a sense of accomplishment.