What if you could design your very own dream Loot Crate? What would it contain?
Given my profession and my work with Superhero Therapy, I wanted to put together an idea for a potential Loot Crate, one which could help people in managing their Dementors of depression and their boggarts of anxiety while helping them connect with their superhero potential. Here’s what I came up with.
In case you have not yet heard of the magic that is Loot Crate, here is the run down. Loot Crate is a to a mysteriously wonderful box, which contains 4-6 items within a certain theme. For example, in April of this year, Loot Crate theme was “Quest,” which included a Labyrinth T-Shirt, Harry Potter socks, and other cool items. The subscription fees are typically $19.95/month. However, Loot Crate often has promotions for lower prices, such as $13.95. The items included in the monthly mystery box are often valued at $45-$50, making it a great deal for any geek.
Now, back to my Dream Crate. I am a psychologist, and I treat patients who struggle with terrible trauma histories, usually having been diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder, as well as depression, overwhelming anxiety, and other difficulties. I myself am a trauma survivor and struggle with Seasonal Affective Disorder, a disorder which leads people to experience depression when the weather changes.
Working as both a psychologist and a full time geek, I have found a way to integrate my patients’ fandoms and others aspects of Geekdom, into therapy, teaching my patients how to find strength and resilience in the time of struggle from the very characters they love. Hence, I thought Superhero Therapy would be a good theme for this crate, in terms of helping people use their interests in managing their difficult experiences.
- One of the most pervasive symptoms of depressive and anxiety disorders is the belief that things will never be ok. Depression, for example, can make us feel worthless, make us lose joy and connection to the very things we care about. So, the first item I thought of for any ‘Harry Potter’ fan like me, facing their internal Dementors is an Illuminating wand.
This wand could then be used to cast a Patronus charm, a charm to fight off the Dementor monsters of depression. In order to cast the Patronus charm, we would need to connect with our happiest memories, allowing us to potentially experience gratitude for these memories. Such gratitude practices have actually been shown through research to reduce depression and anxiety. In addition, this wand can light up (“Lumos“) with a press of a button, which can be symbolically helpful when we are struggling. After all, it was Albus Dumbledore, the Headmaster of Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry in ‘Harry Potter’ who said:
“Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.”
- When people are struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, or other difficulties, it can be helpful to receive a hug from someone they trust. Hugging or snuggling actually triggers the body to release oxytocin, a hormone responsible for increasing the feelings of bonding, trust, and caring. When this hormone is released, we might experience a soothing, calming sensation. Therefore, the second item I would love to include in my Dream Crate is a Chewbacca plush toy, an absolute necessity for a ‘Star Wars’ fan, especially one struggling with anxiety or depression.
- More than anything, depression and anxiety can be alienating. They can make us feel as if no one can understand us or as if no one cares about us. So, it seems only fitting that a third item should include a FRIENDS mug for your coffee/tea/hot chocolate needs, serving as a warm reminder that “I’ll be there for you.”
- Finally, depression and anxiety can keep us from doing what is really important to us. So, as a powerful reminder that we can all be superheroes even when faced with the most difficult tragedies, a fourth item I would include would be a Batman T-Shirt.
- In addition to the physical items described above, if I was designing my own Dream Crate, I would want to send a note to each Loot Crate recipient, which would read:
“May you know how loved you are. May you know the difference you make in the lives of others. May you discover your inner hero because you are destined to make a positive change in this world.”
– Dr. Janina Scarlet, (Superhero Therapy)
Janina Scarlet, PhD, is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, a scientist, and a full time geek. She uses Superhero Therapy to help patients with anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and PTSD at the Center for Stress and Anxiety Management. Dr. Scarlet is the author of Superhero Therapy with Little Brown Book Group and has also authored chapters in the Sterling Publishing works The Walking Dead Psychology, Star Wars Psychology, Star Trek Psychology, Game of Thrones Psychology, Doctor Who Psychology, and Captain America vs. Iron Man Psychology, and Wonder Woman Psychology. You can follow Dr. Scarlet on Twitter or find her on Facebook.
