Self-care is really important, it simply means that you take care of yourself and your wellbeing. Self-care is not just for times when you are feeling overwhelmed, you can participate in self-care all of the time. It can help build your resilience so you can cope with life’s challenges better.

Please remember, that self-care is not a substitute for seeking help when you are struggling. See our advice page for information on local support services.

So what is self-care?

The Anna Freud Centre have created this useful video to explain what self-care is:

Self-care is about participating in things that make you feel good, happy and safe, and seeking help when you need it.

It is about understanding your feelings and emotions, and how you can use self-care activities when things become worrying, fearful or stressful.

Self-care also ensures that you are looking after yourself in every way i.e. avoiding alcohol, drug taking & gambling; choosing to exercise and eating healthily; getting enough sleep; and getting washed and dressed in the morning.

The Anna Freud Centre has created a series of videos of how their staff and Young Champions look after their mental wellbeing.

The Anna Freud Centre has also created an online Self-Care Resource Centre which includes lots of self-care tips and ideas from creative ideas to therapeutic tools.  These have been created with young people. You can find the online recourse centre here.

Every Mind Matters also has practical videos and tips to help with self-care.