Skip to main content

Self Help and Wellbeing

Mental health affects how you think, feel and act. Looking after your mental health is just as important as looking after your physical health. 

This page has tips on things you can do to look after your mental health and wellbeing. It is not a replacement for seeking help when you need it. 

If you are struggling to cope and need help now visit our Help I'm in Crisis page.

Self care

There are things you can do to help you think more positively, improve your confidence and feel calmer.

Think about what makes you feel better? What do you enjoy? What do you need right now, physically and emotionally?

Some tips to improve your well being: 

  • Contact with people. Talk to friends, family, a teacher or anyone you trust. Spend time with people who appreciate and are nice to you
  • Healthy lifestyle. Be physically active, sleep well, eat well. Avoid drugs and alcohol
  • Be kind to yourself. Try not to compare yourself to others
  • Set boundaries. Learn that it's ok to say no if you don't want to do something. Limit the time you spend on social media
  • Ask for what you need. This could be encouragement, company, a hug or some space
  • Give to others. Random acts of kindness such as helping out at school or a neighbour can make you feel better
  • Be present. Pay attention to the here and now. Try breathing exercises, meditation or relaxation
  • Learn a new skill. Is there a new hobby you would like to try? It doesn't have to be something big.
  • Recognise what you are good at. If you can't think of anything ask friends and family as there will be lots of things

Videos

Video 1 of 3

Websites 

 Kooth is a free, safe, and anonymous online wellbeing community for young people. You can sign up without being referred by anyone and you don’t need to download any apps.

 

 

 Visit MindMate for self help and wellbeing tips. Relax with their 2 or 3 minute meditations

 

 Visit Young Minds for advice about self care and to read real life stories about the things young people have done for their mental health

 

 Anna Freud provides more suggestions for self care and coping strategies

 

 Text a ChatHealth Nurse about your mental health, wellbeing, bullying and general health. In Kirklees text on 07520 618866, Mon to Fri from 8am to 8pm. In Calderdale text on 07480 635297. In Leeds text 07520 619750 8.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday. Response time is within 24 hours.  

teen-sleep-hub-logo-100.png Teen Sleep Hub is the one stop shop for all you need to know about sleep. If you’re looking for advice on how to sleep better, would like tips on tweaking your routine or help to understand the science behind your sleep patterns, you’ll find it all here.

Reading

The Reading Well booklist suggests books, ebooks and audiobooks to help you understand your feelings, manage your emotions, cope with difficult times and boost your confidence.

Borrow these from your local library for free. 

Here are just a few book suggestions

 Anxiety Survival Guide for Teens: CBT Skills to Overcome Fear, Worry, and Panic by Jennifer Shannon.

Gives practical strategies for handling even the toughest situations that used to cause you anxiety or worry.

 

 Blame My Brain: the Amazing Teenage Brain Revealed by Nicola Morgan

Explains the ups and downs of the teenage brain, dealing with powerful emotions, the need for more sleep, the urge to take risks, the difference between genders and the reasons behind addiction or depression.

 

 Banish Your Self-Esteem Thief: A Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Workbook on Building Positive Self Esteem by Kate Collins-Donnelly 

A CBT workbook to help young people stay positive and feel great.

 

 Mindful Teen: Powerful Skills to Help You Handle Stress One Moment at a Time by Professor Dzung X 

A mindfulness program to help you deal with stress in healthy ways, improve communication and reduce conflicts with family and friends.