The Art of Self Care: Patients and Caregivers

Bergina Isbell, MD, MHSRaylene Hesselberg, LICSW

Aisha Bailey, BA

Behavioral HealthUnity Health CareWashington, DC

Getting Help• Reach out

• Family• Friends• Other • Talk to a health professional• Primary care doctor• Psychiatrist• Therapist

• Develop a plan• Maintenance• Crisis

Take care of Yourself• Quality time with

yourself• Take a bubble bath• Read a book or positive

writings• Eat a well-balanced diet• Pray/meditate• See a Therapist• Experience

Nature/Weather• Listen to music• Watch a movie• Dial a positive friend

• Journal• Volunteer• Express yourself in a

healthy way• Take care of your

physical health• Sleep• Exercise• Think positively• Connect to your

community• Create a special box

Take care of YourselfCreate a Special box• Laughter box• Comfort box• Memory box

Children of Parents with Mental Illness:How Parents can help their children• Talk about it• Take care of your physical health• Limit exposure to news media• Engage in relaxing activities• Do something positive• Communicate with children

• Acknowledge worries• Normalize feelings• Maintain routines

• Seek help

Mental Health Resources

• Mental Health America (MHA) www.nmha.org

• National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) www.nami.org

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline800-273-TALK (8255) 888-628-9454 (Spanish)

Questions & Answers