Weighted stuffed animal for PTSD: something to hold on to alongside your treatment

A weighted stuffed animal for PTSD does not treat PTSD, but for some people it can be a soft, tangible anchor alongside their treatment. With PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), your body can stay on alert, even long after the danger has passed. Sleeping badly, being easily startled, tension in your body or feeling unsafe for no clear reason: for many people, it's part of it. Treatment by a professional always comes first.

Alongside that, many people look for small things at home that give them a sense of steadiness. In this article you'll read honestly what a weighted stuffed animal for PTSD can and can't mean for you, and how to use it calmly and safely, alongside your treatment.

First: help for PTSD

PTSD can develop after a distressing event, such as an accident, violence or a threat. Many people experience stress reactions for a while afterwards, and for most of them these fade on their own. If the symptoms last longer than four weeks and get in the way of your daily life, it may be PTSD.

Symptoms that often come with PTSD:

• Re-experiencing: flashbacks, nightmares or images that keep coming back.
• Avoidance: steering clear of places, people or conversations that remind you of the event.
• Always being on your guard: being easily startled, sleeping badly, feeling irritable or finding it hard to concentrate.

Do you recognise this? Talk to your GP about it. There are good treatments for PTSD, such as EMDR and other forms of trauma-focused therapy. If you're thinking about suicide, talk about it straight away: contact a crisis line in your country or your doctor, and in an emergency call 112. A weighted stuffed animal does not treat PTSD, but for some people it can be a gentle aid alongside that treatment.

Why something to hold on to can matter

Many people with PTSD describe their body as staying "switched on". Something tangible can then help bring your attention to the here and now: what you feel, what you're holding, where you're sitting. A 2 kg weighted plush toy is soft, heavy and predictable. It stays where you put it and feels the same every time.

There is research on deep pressure, mostly with weighted blankets and mostly around anxiety and sleep. We know of no research on weighted stuffed animals and PTSD. Read more in deep pressure: what does research say?

It stays where you put it and feels the same every time.

Moments when a weighted stuffed animal for PTSD can fit in

At the end of the day

A regular evening moment with the plush toy on your lap, dimmed lights and no screen can be a calm transition into the night. Also read about a sleep companion for adults.

After an intense day or appointment

After a hard day or an intense conversation, for example a therapy session, it can be nice to land for a moment before you carry on. Take ten minutes for yourself, with something soft in your arms.

When your mind is restless

Some people find it helps to focus on something they can feel: the weight, the softness, their feet on the floor. Also read about anxiety, panic and worrying.

Grounding with a weighted stuffed animal

Grounding means bringing your attention back to your body and the space around you. It's often mentioned as a way of coping with tension. A weighted plush toy can be a tangible anchor for this. A short exercise:

1. Sit down and put your feet flat on the floor.
2. Lay the plush toy on your lap and feel the weight on your legs.
3. Name in your head three things you see, two things you hear and one thing you feel.
4. Breathe out slowly and let your shoulders drop.

You'll find more exercises in grounding exercises. Talk to your therapist about which exercises suit you.

How to use it calmly and safely

1. Choose the moment yourself. Only use the plush toy when it feels good.
2. Start briefly and at a calm moment. Not for the first time in the middle of a difficult situation.
3. Put it on your lap or in your arms. You can always put it aside straight away.
4. Focus on what you feel. Weight, warmth, softness.
5. Stop if it feels unpleasant. For some people, pressure can actually feel confining, and that's good to know too.

Talk to your therapist about whether a weighted stuffed animal suits you. Never place it on your face or neck, and if you have physical complaints, check with your doctor first.

For some people, pressure can actually feel confining, and that's good to know too.

When is a weighted stuffed animal less suitable?

• if pressure or being held brings back memories or feels suffocating;
• if you expect the plush toy to take your symptoms away;
• with physical complaints where weight feels unpleasant.

Frequently asked questions about a weighted stuffed animal for PTSD

Does a weighted stuffed animal help with PTSD?

A weighted stuffed animal does not treat PTSD. Some people do experience the soft pressure as a sense of steadiness, alongside their treatment.

Can I use a weighted stuffed animal alongside therapy?

You can. Talk to your therapist about it, so that it fits with your treatment.

Is a weighted stuffed animal suitable for adults with PTSD?

For some adults, yes, if they find the pressure pleasant. Always use it voluntarily and at your own pace.

Can I give a weighted stuffed animal to someone with PTSD?

That can be a kind gesture. Do ask first whether the other person would like that, and give it without expectations. Not everyone finds pressure pleasant.

Weighted stuffed animal or weighted blanket?

You hold a plush toy and can easily put it down. A blanket lies over you. If you quickly feel confined, a plush toy is often easier. Read the comparison weighted stuffed animal or weighted blanket.

In closing

With PTSD, good treatment comes first. Alongside it, a weighted plush toy can be a small, tangible anchor for moments when your mind or body is restless. Browse all weighted stuffed animals or read more about a weighted stuffed animal for PTSD.