Self-care

Self-care Approaches of Children and Young People: Online Resource – UK

The Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families has launched an online self-care resource with a wide range of strategies that young people could use to help them to manage their own mental health and well being. 

They explain;

"Self-care is about the things we can do to look after our own mental health

Young people told us that when they are struggling they are usually told to see a professional. They don’t often get much advice about how they could help themselves.

So, we spoke to professionals and looked at academic research. Then we drew up a list of strategies young people use.  We also published a report following a consultation with young people and their families online.

We're sharing these strategies with you to help you to manage your wellbeing.  It’s up to you to decide what helps.  If it works, keep doing it. If it doesn’t, stop and try something else.  And you can help us build an evidence-base for these activities by letting us know what works by clicking on the ‘Did this activity help your mental wellbeing’ button on each page.  This will help us decide which ones to research further.

These activities are not a substitute for seeing a mental health professional. Sometimes we need outside help and advice. Getting help is good. No-one should feel bad about it"

Further information can be found on the Anna Freud Centre website and the online self-care resource is available at: www.annafreud.org/on-my-mind/self-care/