What does self care look like
- a thread

Self care can take all kinds of different forms. It can be a hot cup of tea, chocolate or coffee.
It can also be a refreshing cold beverage, like banana juice or a milkshake.

Self-care can also be watching the sun or reflections of the sun.
If you can, take in the colours. Realise them.
Depression can make you numb to colours. You might see that trees are green and the sky is blue, but you do not realise it.
Mind your surroundings. Watch its beauty.

Self-care can be attentiveness. We often have a routine and do things without thinking about it, like washing, drying clothes, cooking, eating. Realise what you are doing while you are doing it. Concentrate on the moment.

Talking about cooking and eating. A healthy meal or a tasty one can be a treat. You deserve it. You deserve a good meal and plenty of water.
Take time to eat. Plan your meals.
If you are unable to cook because of your mental health, there is no shame in buying instant meals.

If you're tense, you cannot relax. Try to do something quick to exhaust you, like a minor run around the block or boxing a pillow (yes!).
When you are relaxed and numb, try to become aware of your breathing. Guided meditations on youtube or the free app "Insight Timer" can help.

There are many books/ items with little messages. You can also write notes to yourself and put them up in your room.
Decorations with posters and (plastic) flowers can liften your mood. Your room should have enough light. Maybe buy a daylight lamp to compensate for dark times.

Decorate your flat with small items that mean something to you, like post cards from friends, little action figures, or your own drawings (they don't have to be good, you just had to have fun while making them)

Keep order. Order is not the same for everyone. You parents might call it disorder, but as long as you find your stuff, it's okay.
And even if you don't manage to keep order or to clean. That's okay.
Try to make the most of your abilities.

Talking about abilities.
You might draw, stitch, create, do sports, kill orcs. You might not be the best, so don't compare yourself to others (that's for you, Gimli&Legolas!).
Make sure you love what you are doing, that's the only important thing.

But the most important thing: be yourself.
Eat that last cookie.
Sleep till noon.
Steal farmer Maggot's vegetables.
BUT: if you realise you can't cope anymore, that you cannot do what you need to do, when the bad thoughts dominate, SEEK HELP.

There is no shame in needing help.
There *are* options for you.
Getting help is the vital but also most difficult step. Ask a family member or friend to help you. Even if it feels embarrassing. Realising you need help & asking for it are as courageous as destroying the one ring.

If you are unsure where to start - ask your GP (doctor). They know of the possibilities in your area. They can give you counsel (social worker, psychotherapist, psychologist, help lines,...)
If you are a student, your university might offer therapy/ counselling.

If you have more ideas, please comment.
I will also add more when I think of it.
Thank you for reading this thread and I wish you good health. Please remember that you are appreciated and that the night is darkest just before the dawn. Or before Mount Doom erupts.

PS. Self-care can also be
- your favourite song on repeat.
- your favourite tv show/ movie in the background while doing chores.
- ambience music on youtube or http://ambience-mixer.com  (Shire, Rivendell, Enterprise D,...)
- a face mask, body oil, anything with a pleasant scent.
-

Self-care does not have to be expensive.
You don't have to buy the products which are praised to give you the best results. Or which are the most expensive.
Many self-care apps have free versions (Insight Timer, Mood Track, Questions Daily).
Instead of posters, print your favs.