Practicing what you preach

By Hattie Allen, Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner 

In my role at CFF I work with young people who are struggling with their mental health, specifically around anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. When working with young people I stress the importance of; self-love, self-care and focus on strategies they can use to promote their wellbeing. If I had a catch phrase it would absolutely be, “Be kind to yourself!” 

Despite teaching these strategies on a daily basis, I often forget to implement these into my personal life or do not prioritise my own mental health. I have struggled with anxiety since I was in school and am very aware of the impact that it can have if left unchecked.

I love my job and am very passionate about working with young people and their mental health however, it can sometimes be quite emotionally draining. During the January lockdown I had started to notice a decline in my own mental health (I’m sure I was not alone in this!)
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This highlighted to me that I need to start practising what I preach, and to implement the advice I give to others into my own daily routine. I realised that I had a lot of knowledge and tools around looking after my own wellbeing, I just wasn’t doing it! It is so important as professionals that we look after ourselves in order to be able to look after others. Since this realisation, I have started an exercise routine, made plans to see friends or family at least twice a week and most of all am being kind to myself!