As youth workers, we often find ourselves in the role of the listener, the motivator, the safe space, and sometimes even the emotional anchor. We show up for young people in moments of crisis, confusion, and growth—but one of the most powerful things we can do is help them learn how to show up for themselves. And that’s where self-care comes in—not just as something nice to have, but as a core skill in mental health management.

Helping young people understand self-care means showing them that it’s not only okay to take care of their mental and emotional health—it’s necessary. It’s helping them recognize that tuning into their needs, setting boundaries, asking for help, and doing things that recharge them isn’t indulgent—it’s strength. Whether it’s guiding them to breathe through stress, reflect through journaling, find joy in a creative outlet, or simply get enough rest, we’re equipping them with tools that build resilience.

But here’s the thing—we can’t offer what we don’t model ourselves. If we don’t believe in self-care, or constantly run on empty, young people pick up on that too. They learn not just from our words, but from how we treat ourselves. So part of our job—part of our responsibility—is to also pause, breathe, and recharge. Not just for our own wellbeing, but to be better at holding space for theirs.

In the end, teaching self-care isn’t just about sharing coping tools. It’s about building a culture of care—where young people feel empowered to protect their mental health, and where they know they’re not alone in figuring it all out. In this part, we will try to help you build an image of what management practices can be used by youth, why they sometimes fail and how to help them go back on track.