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Looking after your mental health
It’s perfectly normal to feel like things are a little chaotic at times, but there’s lots that you can do to help you feel calmer and more in control.
If you’re a young person who also looks after someone else then you’re probably used to doing a bit more than some of your friends. But, you might find that you need to be even more independent right now and that can be tough, especially when you’ve lost some of that support from school or college.
Although it’s natural to feel anxious about everything at times, there are lots of really simple, positive steps you can take which will help you feel a whole lot better.
Self-care isn’t selfish
If you’re used to taking care of somebody else then you might not always put your needs first.
That’s okay for a little while, but if you keep forgetting to take care of you then there’s a chance you’ll end up ‘burning out’. There are some very basic things you can do, most of them you probably already know! It might seem boring but these simple things can have a BIG impact on how you feel:
Eat…Sleep…Hydrate…Rest…
This is very straightforward and we all know we should do it, but if you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed then going back to the basics can definitely help.
Get your 5 a day
Get the sleep you need
Drink plenty of water
Rest – especially if you’re doing a lot for someone else
Breathe…
If you’re feeling a bit out of control and need a quick fix, then taking 5-minutes to focus on your breathing can make a big difference. Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) recommend this video for some helpful breathing exercises.
https://youtu.be/t4NrlmTjjho
Relax…
This isn’t as easy as it sounds. Carers often feel anxious and relaxing isn’t always something that comes naturally. But help is at hand. Sometimes guided meditations and mindfulness can help you unwind. Here’s a simple 3-minute meditation that’s worth trying.
Dealing with change
Sometimes we feel totally fine and in control when things change, but other times we may end up getting worked up and stressed. This NHS video page share some tips, techniques and advice to help you chill out and de-stress.
Sleep
Sleep affects your mind and body more than you might think, so it’s very important to do your best to have a healthy sleep pattern. Find out what you lose when you don’t get the sleep your body needs, and how to make sure you catch enough of those all-important ZZZs.
Wellbeing Apps
The Mix – Essential support for under 25s to help you take on any challenge you’re facing – from mental health to money, from homelessness to finding a job, from break-ups to drugs. Talk to them via their online community, on social, through their free, confidential helpline or our counselling service.
Shout 85258 provides free, confidential, 24/7 text message support in the UK for anyone struggling to cope. They can help with issues including suicidal thoughts, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, abuse, self-harm, relationship problems and bullying.
Text “Shout” to 85258 to speak to an empathetic, trained volunteer who will listen and work with you to solve problems.