Self-care
– Connecting with others – Laughing – Watching a film or TV show – Taking a bath or enjoying a beauty treatment – Doing kind acts Following an MHFA conversation, MHFAiders are also encouraged to access Shout’s mental health text support service via the MHFAider Support App, make reflective notes in the app, or find another MHFAider to talk to about your experience, remembering to leave out identifying details. This is not the same as a crisis when you will need to reveal their identity.
After providing MHFA to a person who is in distress, you may feel worn out, frustrated, or even angry. You may also need to deal with the feelings and reactions you set aside during the conversation. Before an aeroplane takes off, flight attendants will talk flight passengers through the oxygen mask procedure. The procedure instructs passengers on a flight to ensure that they put on their own mask first before helping others, because we can’t assist others if we lose consciousness. The same principle applies to the MHFAider role. If we aren’t well, we’re not able to safely offer support to others. To remain well we can practice self-care. Self-care is the practice of engaging in activities that take care of your health and actively manage poor mental health when it occurs. Self-care differs from person to person and can change over time. Some things we might do daily, and some might be once a year.
“The MHFA training also made me realise that I need to look after my own mental health more and keep an eye on how I’m feeling, as well as supporting others.” Mick , MHFAider, Royal Mail
Examples of self-care – Engaging in creativity or DIY – Unplugging from technology
– Meditating or practising spirituality – Learning something new or a new skill – Doing exercise – Dancing and singing – Cooking and eating food that makes you feel good – Sleeping well – Spending time in nature – Setting boundaries and spending time alone
Check out our free self-care resources for useful tools and self- care activities.
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