Taking Care of Your Own Mental Health
It’s important to make sure your own emotional needs are taken care of as well. No matter what you’re experiencing and feeling, you are not alone, and you too deserve support.
Read more about self-care and coping strategies, and how to find additional help if you need it.
Self-care and managing your emotional well being
Increased stress and anxiety is common during this time, but remember that prioritizing your mental health is just as important as helping your friends.
Getting Help for Your Mental Health
We know that taking the first step to get help may be a bit difficult, especially if you don’t think there are resources out there for you. We’ve got your back! Here are great resources that can help you get connected to good support—and feeling better—sooner than you might think.
Getting Help for Your Mental Health
What is Therapy and Will it Work?
Find a Mental Health Professional
7 Ways to Get Affordable Mental Health Care
The Benefits of a Therapist Who Understands Your Cultural Background
How to Find a Culturally Competent Therapist
Mental Health Resources for Underrepresented Communities
Resources for the Black Community
Resources for the Hispanic Community
Resources for the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Communities
Resources for Native and Indigenous Peoples Communities
Resources for the LGBTQ Community
8 Ways to Take Care of Yourself When You’re Waiting for Mental Health Care
Self-care and managing your emotional well being
1. Don’t forget your basic needs. When you’re in a crisis or managing big emotions, it’s easy to forget the everyday habits that can improve your mood and well-being:
- Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eight to 10 hours is ideal.
- Spend time outside when possible.
- Move your body in whatever way you can that feels good to you.
- Make sure you’re eating and drinking plenty of water.
- Try journaling, meditation or breathing to help you ground yourself in the present moment.
2. Prioritize self-care and stress relief.
- Set aside a dedicated time each day to do something that makes you feel calm, alleviates stress or simply makes you happy—whether it’s meditation, giving yourself a facial, cooking, dancing to your favorite playlist, walking your dog or doodling in a coloring book.
3. Stay connected. Spending time with people you trust can really help you process and manage big emotions and is good for your mental health overall. Even if you don’t feel up to it, reach out to friends and family you trust, in person or remotely. You might be surprised how much it helps in hard moments.
4. Take breaks from news stories and social media.
- Non-stop exposure to anxiety-producing news can amp up any difficult feelings you’re already having. If you find yourself feeling worse after scrolling your feeds, do what you can to limit stressful content. You can decide to check in only at certain times, turn off notifications, or unfollow accounts that create stress and focus on ones that help you feel calm and connected.
Staying Connected
Need some help reaching out?
Check out different ways you can start the conversion in this video. GIFs and stickers can make reaching out to a friend or family member a little easier:
If You Need Help Right Now:
- Text HOME to 741-741 for a free, confidential conversation with a trained counselor any time of day.
- Text or call 988 (Press 1 for Veterans, Press 2 for Spanish) or use the chat function at 988lifeline.org.
- If this is a medical emergency or there is immediate danger of harm, call 911 and explain that you need support for a mental health crisis.