Self-care is particularly important when working through the information on this website. This work can be difficult, especially when feeling other strong emotions like anxiety or fear about the future. Making sure we find time for self-care can help us deal with the challenges we face in a positive way.

We will suggest lots of strategies for you, some simple and some that take more time. Start where you feel you can. Sometimes, when we feel so low in ourselves, we have to make ourselves do something to look after ourselves, such as taking time to eat a healthy and tasty meal. The more we act this way towards ourselves, the more we are teaching ourselves that we are worth taking the time. 

We also suggest doing this work in a way that feels emotionally and psychologically safe. This might mean involving a trusted family member, friend, or professional, so you don’t feel isolated and have someone to discuss the information with. You can contact our helpline on 0808 1000 900 and it is free and anonymous to use. We know that sharing how we feel with others reduces the intensity of the feelings we experience, and reminds us that we are so much more than the behaviour we are addressing. We also know that people do not feel a ‘burden’ when asked to support others, but feel privileged that they are trusted and respected by someone else to be there for them, whether they are a paid professional or a close friend/family.  

Regularly using strategies like breathing techniques, grounding, mindfulness, and self-compassion can help us to cope with difficult emotions, thoughts, and situations. 

Self-care is important in helping you move away from risky and illegal behaviour. When people feel happy and content, they are far less likely to offend or re-offend. People often tell us that when they offended, their relationships with themselves and other people are strained. Focusing on self-care can help us to see ourselves in a more positive light and this can help to improve our relationships with others.