Beginner's Guide To Self-Care For Mental Health

Emotional And Psychological Self-Care

Emotional and psychological self-care can be trickier to master because they tend to be more abstract than physical self-care. With emotional self-care, individuals should let themselves feel emotions without judging them. This means acknowledging negative emotions but viewing them as a current running through their body, rather than an inherent state of being. It also means looking for activities that help them experience positive emotions. These might be things that make them laugh, time spent with loved ones, and re-experiencing their favorite piece of media. It's also helpful for individuals to allow themselves to cry if they're feeling sad, as tears can release the hormones and endorphins causing the sadness.

Psychological self-care means taking care of the mind. This type of self-care is often the hardest for individuals to engage in because it requires them to draw boundaries and recognize their limits. Individuals have to learn to say no to stressful, unnecessary responsibilities. They might also get in touch with their thoughts and emotions by journaling. Some individuals take care of their minds by engaging their intelligence through art, thoughtful discussion, or stimulating games.

Self-Care During A Mental Health Crisis

It's important to engage in self-care during a mental health crisis. The stigma surrounding mental health issues can sometimes lead individuals to neglect their own mental health. But when someone is experiencing symptoms of mental illnesses like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or any number of other issues, it's vital for them to take time for self-care. In these cases, self-care is not only important for general well-being, but it's also an essential part of mental health treatment as well.

Sometimes self-care might mean an individual admitting when a problem has become too big for them to face alone. If the sadness or fear experienced on a daily basis is interfering with an individual's functioning, they should talk to a mental health professional. Like regular doctor's appointments, appointments regarding mental health are a way of caring for both the body and brain.