Good to Talk · Things you can do yourself · Free. Always.
Maintenance, not pampering
Self-help is not the right tool for an emergency. If you or someone else is in danger, call 999 or go to A&E. If you need urgent mental-health help but it is not an emergency, use NHS 111 online or call 111 and select the mental-health option.
Sometimes self-care is a bath. Sometimes it's opening the letter you've avoided for three weeks.
Think maintenance
Sleep. Food. Medication as prescribed. Dental appointments. Moving your body. Seeing people. Sorting money. Taking leave. Saying no. Asking for help. These are all forms of looking after yourself.
Ask what tomorrow-you needs
The useful choice is not always the most comfortable one right now. Going to bed, making lunch, cancelling one commitment or having a difficult conversation may reduce tomorrow's load.
Don't turn wellness into another performance
You do not need a perfect morning routine. Pick the basics that genuinely make your life work better.
Self-help doesn't mean alone
Good to Talk home · When to get help · When self-help isn't enough
Sources & further reading
- NHS Every Mind Matters — mental wellbeing tips
- NHS Every Mind Matters — mental health issues
- NHS — self-help
Self-help can support mental wellbeing, but it is not a substitute for professional assessment or treatment when those are needed.