Self-esteem is the opinion you have about yourself and your abilities. How to improve self-esteem: Be kind to yourself. Try your best not to compare yourself to others. Exercise regularly. Set realistic goals for yourself. Remember, everyone makes mistakes so do not beat yourself up when you do. Focus on what is within your control. Make time for hobbies. Celebrate your victories, big and small. Be a good friend and make time to spend with your loved ones. Surround yourself with supportive people. Information used is adapted from ReachOut ..read more

Talking about mental health can be difficult and akward, but it does not have to be. Here are a few helpful conversation starters to break the ice around a loved one's mental health: 1. Are you okay? 2. Are you thinking about suicide? 3. I have noticed that... 4. Do you want to talk a walk? 5. How are you, really? Information used is adapted from Mental Health First Aid ..read more

This is a step-by-step action plan to use when providing support to someone who may be experiencing a distressing situation. A - Approach, assess for risk of suicide or harm. L - Listen nonjudgmentally. G - Give reassurance and information. E - Encourage appropriate professional help. E - Encourage self-help and other support strategies. You do not have to use every single step to provide support and every situation will be different. Information used is adapted from Mental Health First Aid ..read more

A confident person: does what they believe is right, even if it is unpopular; is willing to take risks; admits their mistakes and learns from them; is able to accept compliments; is optimistic. Tips for Building Self-Confidence: Look at what you have already achieved. Think of things you are good at. Set some goals. Talk yourself up (positive self-talk). Get a hobby. Information used is adapted from ReachOut ..read more

A good friend: is there for you no matter what; does not judge you; does not pull you down or deliberately hurt your feelings; is kind and respectful to you; is someone whose company you enjoy; is loyal; is trustworthy and willing to tell you the truth, even when it is hard for you to hear; laughs with you; sticks around when things get tough; makes you smile; is there to listen; comforts you when you cry. How to Be a Good Friend: Listen to them. Get the facts. Ask them what they need. Get physical. Keep in touch. Tell them how you feel. Be willing to make a hard decision. Information used is ..read more

Establish a good sleep routine.Engage in mindfulness, daily. Start a journal. Practice self-care. Eat well. Take a break from social media. Exercising. Talk positively to yourself and others. Seek answers. Information used is adapted from KeepInspiringMe ..read more

Know the risk factors and warning signs of suicide - situations: recent loss, having a mental health condition; feelings: hopelessness, feeling trapped; actions: previous suicide attempts, giving away possessions. Reach out - ask the person directly if they are thinking about suicide; listen and stay with them: allow them to express how they are feeling; assist them in seeking appropriate professional and social support: from a mental health professional, lay counselors, support groups, crisis helplines. Information used is adapted from Lifeline ..read more

Talk about your feelings. Keep active. Eat well. Keep in touch. Drink responsibly. Ask for help. Take a break. Do something you are good at. Accept who you are. Care for others. Information used is adapted from Mental Health Foundation ..read more

Make a spending plan. Make appointments for self-care activities. Maintain healthy eating habits. Stay socially engaged. Embrace your faith. Volunteer. Practice gratitude. Have a happy, safe, and stress-free holiday. Information used is adapted from UT Southwestern Medical Center ..read more

Resilience is the ability to grow and thrive in the face of challenges and bounce forward from difficulties. Traits of a resilient person: ability to deal effectively with stress and pressure; copes with everyday challenges; bounces forward from disappointments, adversity, and trauma; develops clear and realistic goals and approaches to solve problems; comfortable with his/her feelings and can express them appropriately; confident to handle anything that comes his/her way; are flexible; have an optimistic outlook. Some ways you can build up on your resilience: developing supportive relationshi ..read more