Do I need self-help or professional help?
If you're here, chances are you know something isn't quite right. Maybe you don't feel like your usual self, and you recognise that you need help. Self-help is one way we can actively support our mental well-being, but it can be tricky to know when this is the right approach and when we'd benefit from professional support.
In the video below, we talk to CBT therapist and mindfulness teacher Natalie Englander to learn the differences between self-help and professional help, how to know which is right for you and where to go to get the support you need.
What is self-help?
Self-help is all about taking proactive steps to support our well-being. It usually requires a little research and exploration as we look for the right type of help for us.
Understanding yourself a little better can help you work out what kind of support might be useful. Reflective activities such as mood tracking, journalling and meditation can help you notice how you're feeling, what you enjoy and what you might be finding difficult.
Getting started with self-help
Creativity
Creativity can be a powerful tool within self-help. Sometimes it’s difficult to express how we’re feeling or what we need.
Creative activities like art, writing, making music, crafting and dance can help us take time for ourselves and explore how we're feeling.
Finding your creative spark
The importance of self-care
While self-help may be something we turn to when we’re struggling, self-care is something we can, where possible, work into our daily routines.
Exploring self-care
What if I need professional support?
Self-help and self-care can go a long way in supporting our mental health, but they can only go so far. There may be times when your usual self-help and self-care approaches no longer feel like enough.
If you're feeling overwhelmed or stuck, or you're finding it difficult to cope, you could benefit from speaking to a professional. Counselling can offer a safe environment to explore what’s happening and what could help.
If you're experiencing a mental health problem, counselling may form part of how you look after your mental health, alongside any self-care approaches that work for you.
Finding professional support
Ready to find support?
If you feel ready to speak to someone, you can use our search tool to find a qualified counsellor or therapist who suits your needs.
Or, if you're not sure where to start, read our guide to finding the right therapist for you.
