Mental health includes emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, act, make choices, and relate to others. Mental health is more than the absence of a mental illness—it’s essential to your overall health and quality of life. Self-care can play a role in maintaining your mental health and help support your treatment and recovery if you have a mental illness.
Self-care means taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve both your physical health and mental health. When it comes to your mental health, self-care can help you manage stress, lower your risk of illness, and increase your energy. Even small acts of self-care in your daily life can have a big impact.
Here are some tips to help you get started with self-care:
For other ideas for healthy practices for your mind, body, surroundings, and relationships, see the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Wellness Toolkits.
Seek professional help if you are experiencing severe or distressing symptoms that have lasted two weeks or more, such as:
Don’t wait until your symptoms are overwhelming. Talk about your concerns with your primary care provider, who can refer you to a mental health specialist if needed. If you don’t know where to start, read the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Tips for Talking With Your Health Care Provider fact sheet. Learn more about how to get help or find a provider on the NIMH’s Help for Mental Illnesses webpage.
If you are thinking about harming yourself or attempting suicide, tell someone who can help right away or dial 911 in an emergency. You also can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Lifeline) at 1‑800‑273‑TALK (8255), or text the Crisis Text Line (text HELLO to 741741). Both services are free and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. People who are deaf or hard of hearing can contact the Lifeline via TTY at 1-800-799-4889. All calls are confidential.
Contact social media outlets directly if you are concerned about a friend’s social media updates, or dial 911 in an emergency. Learn more on the Lifeline website or the Crisis Text Line website.
Note: This list of non-federal resources is provided for informational purposes only. It is not comprehensive and does not constitute an endorsement by The ADD Resource Center, NIMH, NIH, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, or the U.S. government.
Navigating the aftermath of being terminated from a job can be daunting. Explaining termination, whether…
Remember to always send a thank-you letter or email and know the appropriate timing and…
This essay explores the journey from this state of haphazard thinking to a more intentional,…
For individuals with ADHD, phone calls can be challenging due to difficulties with organization, focus,…
In this article, we explore some strategies and tips to help you successfully home-school your…
It's important to distinguish between typical age-appropriate behavior and potential signs of ADHD