Caring for someone with mental health issues can sometimes be stressful. You can be the best support for the person you care about if you are healthy and supported too. Make sure you engage in your own self-care to maintain your wellbeing and don't be afraid to reach out to others for support.
Your Self-care
Put on your oxygen mask before assisting anyone else — take a minute to make sure you're in a good place to help others. Mental health is a spectrum from illness to wellness, and having good self-care is important for everyone.
- Make sure you're stable: getting the proper amount of sleep, eating well, exercising, and feeling mentally and emotionally healthy. This self-care section in our Encyclopedia is written for those with mental health issues in mind but the same ideas about staying healthy apply to everyone!
- Everyone can feel stressed from time to time. Take a moment to focus on the present moment and try our calm breathing or progressive muscle relaxation exercises on WalkAlong.
Outside Resources
- Make sure you are getting the self-care that you need. Read Mind Your Mind's resource about setting healthy boundaries and ensuring you are getting self-care.
- Call your local Crisis Line to speak with someone if you are looking for support. Crisis Lines are staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For a list of Crisis Lines in BC and to find your local Crisis Line, visit this link.