Whether you’re looking to support yourself through existing mental health struggles or want to engage in some preventative measures, these tips are a great place to start. Keep in mind that your mental health is yours: that means some tools/supports will work for you, and others might not. We have some tips and resources to get you started, but you should look at other resources like Kids Help Phone and talk to your doctor/health care professionals.
Ask for help
Your family and friends are your support network, and they can be a great source of help. But many people have a hard time asking for help—especially if it’s for things they used to be able to do on their own.
You might feel a little awkward asking for help. But when you do ask for help, you can reduce your stress, accomplish things that are important to you, and keep fostering those relationships in your life, all of which help your mental health.
Attend therapy
Therapies are a great way to improve your mental health. After a brain injury, you may work with several different therapists for different reasons. This could include a psychologist/psychiatrist. This kind of therapy can give you a safe place to share your stress or concerns while getting professional recommendations that can help your mental health. Depending on where you live, you may have to pay for psychology services. You can talk to your parents about finding out more information about psychological therapy, payment and more.
If you are First Nations or Métis, there may also be support services available.
- Programs and services for First Nations, Métis, and Indigenous communities
- First Nations Health Authority
Create a schedule
When you have lots of things to do in a day, it can be overwhelming to look at one big list. It can have an effect on your mental health when you feel like you can’t accomplish things. By making yourself a daily schedule – or having someone help you make a schedule – you’ll have a more manageable list of things to do, and you’ll be much more likely to complete them once time has been set aside for each task.
Engage in social activities
It’s important to socialize with your friends, family and other people in your life. Social activities have positive long-term benefits for your mental health. Examples of social activities can include:
- Going outside and being in the community
- Hanging out with your friends
- Having regular family dinners
- Joining a club or team
- Volunteering
Join a support group
It can be helpful to connect with people who are in a similar position to you. The brain injury community across Canada has many support groups, often run through centres or brain injury associations.
By joining a support group, you not only find a valuable resource for yourself, but you open yourself up to more social experiences and meet new people and friends.
Double-check: Many support groups are geared towards adults, so make sure you ask questions about available groups and if there’s something for someone your age.
Medication
Your doctor may recommend trying prescription medication to support your mental health. Medication should never be taken if it is not prescribed by a doctor who has met with you and given you an official diagnosis.
Participate in fun activities
When you do things that make you happy, they have a positive impact on your mental health.
While everyone has different preferences, here are a few possible activities:
- Cooking
- Crafts
- New hobbies
- Physical activity
- Puzzles
- Reading
- Walks
- Yoga and meditation
While some of these may not be for you, there are plenty of activities out there. Ask your family or health care team for suggestions.
Set goals and break them down into small steps
Recovery takes time, and one of the quickest ways to stress yourself out is expecting too much from yourself after a brain injury.
Focus on setting attainable goals for your recovery—your doctors, therapists, and family can help. Depending on where you are in your recovery, these goals will change. You can start with a bigger goal (like writing a page of a paper in an evening) and break it down to smaller steps (writing a paragraph, then writing two, etc.). By setting both short-term and long-term goals, you’ll be able to better track your achievements and feel good about the hard work you’ve done.
Take care of your body
By taking care of your body, you also take care of your mind. The best ways to take care of your body include:
- Eating a balanced diet
- Exercising
- Maintaining regular sleep patterns
Do you have some suggestions or want to share your experience?
Submit your story on our Community page
Disclaimer: There is no shortage of web-based online medical diagnostic tools, self-help or support groups, or sites that make unsubstantiated claims around diagnosis, treatment and recovery. Please note these sources may not be evidence-based, regulated or moderated properly and it is encouraged individuals seek advice and recommendations regarding diagnosis, treatment and symptom management from a regulated healthcare professional such as a physician or nurse practitioner. Individuals should be cautioned about sites that make any of the following statements or claims that:
- The product or service promises a quick fix
- Sound too good to be true
- Are dramatic or sweeping and are not supported by reputable medical and scientific organizations.
- Use of terminology such as “research is currently underway” or “preliminary research results” which indicate there is no current research.
- The results or recommendations of product or treatment are based on a single or small number of case studies and has not been peer-reviewed by external experts
- Use of testimonials from celebrities or previous clients/patients that are anecdotal and not evidence-based
Always proceed with caution and with the advice of your medical team.
