Positive thread: suggestions for mental health self care

[NemoName]

Hello
Just found out that my DD aged 11 is feeling a few symptoms of anxiety and depression. I dont think it's too serious but I want to address it by making some changes that will help her feel a bit more positive and build some resilience.
Please can you add your best tips for supporting her to live a happier and less worried life!
I'll start: I spent a couple of hours tidying her room today and giving it a really good clean. She saw it and beamed and we both agreed we felt much better already.
Lots more tips much appreciated - hope I'm not the only one in this situation!

A fleece blanket as they feel like a big hug.

A book to only write good things in, so you can see what good things you have in your life, for when you forget that good things happen.

Oh both great ideas! Might treat myself to those things too!

Getting outside for a walk every day. Best if in a green space or even better beauty spot.

Cut down screen time.
Turn everything off by 8.30 and don’t turn it on again until 8.30am
Or just allow it for a few hours after school or after tea

Baking or help prepare the family dinner
Learn to knit or crochet to keep hands occupied and off the ipad

www.amazon.co.uk/Crochet-Ladybird-book-Wynne-Broughton/dp/0721404065/ref=sr_1_1?s=gateway&keywords=Ladybird+learn+to+crochet&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&qid=1568923973&sr=8-1

I had this when I was about 10 and loved it. Still doing crochet 40 years later.

I think she would like crochet. I don't know how to do it but I will look into YouTube videos i think!

Crochet is great not just for keeping occupied but also the positive feeling of achievement when you make something.

I meet mine after school once a week and we have coffee together in town. We just chat and gossip.

My DD (also 11) has an anxiety disorder that is finally improving after a terrible year. Things that have helped have been:
Complete blanket ban on social media of any kind (including things like Snapchat, tik tok etc)
Listening to audio books before bed (Harry Potter narrated by Stephen Fry is great)
Journaling/ drawing and creative pursuits in general
Being out in nature a lot more/lots of walks.
Sleep, sleep and more sleep!
Swimming
One night a week we have a snuggle/hot chocolate night where we watch funny animal videos on YouTube.
Joining Girl Guides and singing club.

I hope your DD feels better soon but it's so great you've seen the signs so early and are being pro active in supporting her. I hope she feels better soon .

Thank you @MayorMumBum and others! Lots of ideas here.
Ive been bogged down a lot with work recently (new job) and I should be putting similar efforts into my familtly life rather than concentrating too much on my job. I am worried about her but want to channel efforts to best effect.
Coffee after school is a great idea.

Some great ideas mentioned. I find getting out into nature helps even if it's just my back garden. Really focussing on flowers or listening to birds is quite like a mindfulness thing. I agree with a tidy room helps tidy your mind. What is she anxious about? I find a mantra really helps and making a list of three things that made me happy or I achieved that day

Make time to really listen to her, might be time in the car or when you’re doing an activity but really listen and accept what she’s saying. Yes looking at the positive things in her life are important but so is giving her space to talk about the stuff that makes her feel anxious.

And look after yourself and let her see you looking after yourself - model good self care as something that’s important for everyone, not just when you’re struggling. She’ll learn to care for herself by seeing you care for yourself.

Exercise really helps with getting endorphins around the brain or body? Not sure which but they are chemicals that make you feel good.
Also being fit & in good shape makes you more confident.
Doing an exercise activity helps to meet people too with not as much pressure as in the school environment for example.

Would she like yoga? There's a group near us that has started up specially for teenagers.

Mindfulness/meditation 15 minutes every day.
Getting out into nature, even a leisurely walk every day.
Having a good support system, people who will just LISTEN and are supportive.
Journaling.
Cutting down on screen time, especially social media.
Trying new things, whether that is joining a club or cooking a new recipe.
Being by the sea always really helps me.
Not eating too much sugar. It makes me feel so lethargic.
A good sleep routine.

Swimming MASSIVELY improves my depression and anxiety. I had to get the courage to go (overweight) but after an hour of swims I feel like a new person. Any sort of exercise she likes should help and I certainly agree with getting out into nature more.

Healthy eating. Once I start a junk food binging cycle it's awful. Lots of veg makes me feel better physically and mentally.

Talking to someone. Mine is my therapist, but it could equally be you.