It is important that we take steps to look after our minds as well as our bodies. If you are worried about your mental health then there are things you can do and ways in which you can get support.
A good start would be by talking to a trusted adult. This might be your foster carer, a family member, your Social Worker or Supervising Social Worker.
www.youngminds.org.uk is a website where you can access helpful information around mental health and they also have a section with helpline numbers. Nexus can access a number of training courses for young people via The Training Hub on subjects such as Mental Health in Young People, Self-Harm, What to do When I Feel Stressed and Healthy Relationships. If you would be interested in accessing one of these courses then please pass your email address onto your Supervising Social Worker.
Here are some ideas of things that we can all do to improve our mental health and well-being:
- Eating regular, healthy meals can help to improve your mood. Not eating regularly can make you tired, irritable, anxious and cause poor concentration
- Staying active and taking part in regular physical activity helps to release endorphins which can improve your mood.
- A good night’s sleep can help us to feel relaxed and rested. A minimum of 8 to 9 hours’ good sleep on school nights is recommended for teens.
- Take time out to relax. We all relax in different ways but some ideas are taking a hot bath, listening to music, reading a book or watching a film.
- Do something you enjoy. This could be a hobby or meeting up with friends.
- Write down your feelings. Keeping a journal or diary can be helpful. Try to think of something good that has happened and write about that too.
- Talk to others. Share your thoughts and feelings with somebody you trust. There is nothing wrong with asking for help. We all need help sometimes.