My classmate, Becky Miller, made up this quick and simple intervention for a presentation on depression.
Materials: index cards, crayons, markers, hole-punch, yarn
Procedure: On one side of the card, using one color only, scribble sadness/depression. On the other side, using one color only, scribble happiness. When everyone is finished, lay cards side by side in a quilt-like pattern. Each persons chooses which side is exposed and where to place his/her piece. Tie together.
Processing questions: Which side did you decide to expose? What made you make that decision? Was there a reason why you chose to place the piece where you did? Describe your sad side. Describe your happy side. How are you feeling today? Notice which side is scribbled with more emotion. What colors were chosen?
Rationale: Everyone experiences depression, just as everyone experiences happiness. Some experiences look similar to others. Some look much different than others. Creates the opportunity to discuss emotion through metaphor.
