Self-care tips and support options

Published 12 July 2024 • 2 minute read

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Supporting the production of mental health and wellbeing topics is really rewarding, but it can also be overwhelming. Self-care can be really helpful in moments where you feel stressed or fatigued, and if you’re feeling upset by any of this work please don’t hesitate to seek out support.

Self-care tips 

We asked some ReachOut staff to share how they practise self-care, and make it a priority in their daily lives. Here are their top tips:

Make time for rest and relaxation

I’ve built 20 minutes of ‘puzzle time’ into my daily routine. Having that time to enjoy the daily Wordle, Connections and other brain trainers helps me relax and focus, with the added benefits of improving my vocabulary and memory. — Joe, Content Designer

Look after your physical health

Getting active helps me clear my mind, de-stress and feel positive. Whether it’s a run or a swim or just getting out for a quick walk, I find getting outside for some fresh air and exercise always helps me feel a little lighter. — Jack, Service Designer

Illustration about self-care when you see disturbing videos

Practise mindfulness

I do this thing called 'morning pages' when I first wake up. It's a journalling brain dump where I write whatever's floating around in my head, without judging what comes out. This helps me better understand my feelings and catch any negative self-talk early in the day so I can counter it with something that's kinder and true for me. — Sanki, SEO Writer

Talk to someone you trust

My friends and I do a ‘Wednesday Waffle' (a term coined by @slayinschool on TikTok), where we send each other weekly updates about our lives. I love that I have a scheduled chance to share good news or vent about something that’s bothering me. Plus they always give the best advice! — Mon, Content Producer

ReachOut support options

For young people

  • ReachOut PeerChat — Connect with a peer worker with our one-on-one, online chat service to help figure out what’s going on for you. It’s confidential, free and available for young people aged 16 - 25 years in Australia. 

  • ReachOut Online Community — A safe, anonymous space to share your experience, connect with other people and find support. It’s free to use and available 24/7. For young people aged 14 - 25 years in Australia.

For parents and carers

  • ReachOut One-on-One Support — Increase your confidence to support your teen through a tough time with this free coaching service. It's available to parents and carers of teens aged 12 - 18 years in Australia.

  • ReachOut Parents Forum — A safe, anonymous space to share your experience, connect with other parents and find support. It’s free to use and available 24/7. For parents and carers of teens aged 12 - 18 years in Australia.

Support services

If you or someone you are with is in immediate danger, call 000 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department. You can find emergency support service information on our Urgent Help page.

For further support please visit one of the below resources:

Illustration about talking to someone if you see disturbing videos

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        We acknowledge the traditional owners of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and to Elders past and present. We recognise connection to Country as integral to health and wellbeing.

        We acknowledge people with lived experience of mental ill-health and recovery and the experience of people who have been carers, families, or supporters.

        ReachOut values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.

              Aboriginal flagTorres Strait islander flagRainbow flagAustralian flag

              We acknowledge the traditional owners of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and to Elders past and present. We recognise connection to Country as integral to health and wellbeing.

              We acknowledge people with lived experience of mental ill-health and recovery and the experience of people who have been carers, families, or supporters.

              ReachOut values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.

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