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Self-care

In this section, you’ll find practical ways to look after your mental health, allowing you to choose what works best for you. Whether you’re just starting to explore self-care or looking for new ideas, this guide is here to help.

What is self-care?

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.

How did we develop these resources?

This self-care section was developed by Common Room and young people from mental health support group Hearts & Minds. 

We spoke to professionals and looked at academic research. Then we drew up a list of strategies young people use (you can see the process in this self-care infographic).  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. 

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. That’s what this site is about. These strategies were identified by young people aged 11-25 though some strategies might not be appropriate for all ages without support or guidance of a trusted adult.

Get in touch

You can help us build an evidence-base for these activities by letting us know what works by emailing us. This will help us decide which ones to research further.  We've also created a booklet to help you create your own self-care plan as part of our and another booklet with advice for young parents and carers on looking after their wellbeing.

Self-care techniques to try