At the Erstein CH, young people hospitalized are encouraged to personalize a box with various resource objects that can be used in the event of a crisis.
The Relax Box comes in the form of a box to personalize with various sensory objects (anti-stress ball, scented oil, soothing music, soft texture), but also supports to encourage reflection and distancing (memo cards, breathing techniques or even small games). Since 2024, the Saint-Exupéry unit of the Erstein Hospital Center, in Alsace, has offered this therapeutic device to hospitalized adolescents, particularly those suffering from psychotic disorders. By mobilizing the five senses, young people learn to identify their internal signals and find resources to avoid emotional outbursts. The Relax Box helps them channel their emotions, prevent self-harm and support the de-escalation of anxiety or anger attacks.
In practice, during a 1.5 hour therapeutic workshop every Monday, the care team works with eight young people on stress and tension and focuses on the tools available to each person (anchoring techniques, relaxation methods, etc.). This time for reflection is a good time to familiarize yourself with the Relax Box and learn how to compose it.
Each teenager then has their box in their room. When tensions arise, or a state of agitation is palpable, caregivers suggest using it. Teenagers often use it on their own when they are not feeling well. As you use it, the box expands and becomes personalized with family photos or objects that are close to their hearts.
Since the implementation of the Relax Box, healthcare teams have noted a reduced use of isolation and a reduction in self- and hetero-aggression. Not only do adolescents manage to better regulate their emotions, but they also discuss, based on the contents of this box, the techniques that suit them.
The approach is part of a global and participatory care approach. The patient becomes an actor in their journey and this personalized approach promotes understanding of themselves and the illness, self-confidence and the active involvement of the patient in their care journey.
The Relax Box project received the 2e Prize for healthcare teams in psychiatry 2025 during the 11es Nursing meetings in psychiatry, in October 2025.
Contact: C. Martinho, cadre de santé, [email protected]
