Self-Care for Mental Health

Let your child know that it’s OK not to be OK

Just like our physical fitness, we need to look after our mental health to feel good. When you’re not feeling OK, it’s OK to talk about this and ask for help. Visit our pages to get advice and support for any issues your child is having.

If you need help too, make sure you also ask for help. You are not alone.

Top tips to support your child’s mental health

• Be there to listen
  Regularly ask how they’re doing so they get used to talking about their feelings and know there’s always someone to listen if they want it. Find out how to create a space where they will open up.
• Support them through difficulties
  Pay attention to their emotions and behaviour, and try to help them work through difficulties. It’s not always easy when faced with challenging behaviour, but try to help them understand what they’re feeling and why.
• Stay involved in their life
  Show interest in their life and the things that are important to them. It not only helps them value who they are but also makes it easier for you to spot problems and support them.
• Encourage their interests
  Being active or creative, learning new things and being a part of a team help connect us with others and are important ways we can all help our mental health. Support and encourage them to explore their interests, whatever they are.
• Take what they say seriously
  Listening to and valuing what they say, without judging their feelings, in turn makes them feel valued. Consider how to help them process and work through their emotions in a more constructive way.
• Build positive routines
  We know it still may not be easy, but try to reintroduce structure around regular routines, healthy eating and exercise. A good night’s sleep is also really important – try to get them back into routines that fit with school or college.

Just like our physical fitness, we need to look after our mental health to feel good. When you’re not feeling OK, it’s OK to talk about this and ask for help.

Take a look at our NottAlone booklet for ideas to help your child learn about their own self-care and mindfulness. You can print out a copy and work through the activities together.

There are also some helpful videos below to share with your child, from breathing techniques to understanding mindfulness and meditation: