Self-care: Where Do I Start?

While it can feel fulfilling to support your loved ones if they are experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge, providing help can also take a toll on your own physical and mental wellbeing. It can be emotionally draining, bring up feelings of anxiety or sadness, or even make you physically tired.

Mental Health First Aiders who pay attention to their own physical and emotional wellbeing are better able to handle a crisis or the difficulties of supporting someone experiencing their own mental health or substance use challenge. Building a solid foundation for your own mental health and wellbeing is also a valid goal on its own. If you don’t have a lot of experience with self-care, it can be difficult to know where and when to start. Luckily, the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) curriculum has tips to get you started on your self-care journey.

According to MHFA, self-care refers to activities and practices that you can engage in on a regular basis to reduce stress and maintain your short- and long-term health and wellbeing. Having a robust self-care foundation can help you adapt to changes, build strong relationships and recover from any setbacks life may throw your way. It is also necessary for your effectiveness and success in helping others as a First Aider.