Taking care of yourself, when taking care of others

Self-care enables you to function in your life while meeting the multiple challenges of the world with energy and confidence.

A woman tying laces on her running shoes

Tags

If someone you know has shared their thoughts of suicide with you, you want to support them, but at the same time, you may be feeling overwhelmed and anxious. It’s important to take care the time to also look after your own wellbeing and self-care.

Self-care enables you to function in your life while meeting the multiple challenges of the world with energy and confidence.

Ways to take care of yourself:

  • Stay active and maintain regular exercise
  • Get a good night’s sleep
  • Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Don’t be tempted to stress or emotionally eat
  • Avoid relying on alcohol or drugs to switch off
  • Talk to, or simply spend time with, someone you find supportive
  • Make time for the things you enjoy; crafts, movies, sport, etc.
  • Introduce meditation and mindfulness exercises. You can use an app like:

Visit our Looking after yourself page for further advice and information.

Practicing self-care is a balancing act that is best served all day, every day. Focus on your mental, emotional, physical and spiritual wellbeing through ongoing self-care.

 

If you are worried about someone, and need someone to talk to, call the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 to speak to a counsellor.

If it is an emergency, please call 000.

More from worried about someone

Women sat crying at the beach showing suicide warning signs

Learn about suicide warning signs

A person who is thinking about suicide may give some clues or suicide signs to those around them that indicate they are distressed. These are often referred to as suicide warning signs. Suicide prevention starts with recognising these suicidal warning signs and taking them seriously.

Read more
Women sat crying at the beach showing suicide warning signs

Learn about suicide warning signs

A person who is thinking about suicide may give some clues or suicide signs to those around them that indicate they are distressed. These are often referred to as suicide warning signs. Suicide prevention starts with recognising these suicidal warning signs and taking them seriously.

Read more
Sad young asian woman hug cuddle embracing with best friend in living room at home support each other

Stigma around suicide

While significant progress has been made in mental health support and suicide prevention, there remains a stigma around suicide. How can we break down the stigma so people can get the support they need?

Read more
Man sitting alone experiencing domestic violence

When someone is experiencing domestic violence

Domestic violence is when one person in a relationship hurts the other person. The violence and abuse can be physical, verbal, sexual, social, economic, spiritual and psychological. Understand what the signs of domestic violence are.

Read more
Man sitting alone experiencing domestic violence

When someone is experiencing domestic violence

Domestic violence is when one person in a relationship hurts the other person. The violence and abuse can be physical, verbal, sexual, social, economic, spiritual and psychological. Understand what the signs of domestic violence are.

Read more
View more