Mental health is different for everyone: UNICEF shares 5 ways to take care of yours

• UNICEF has shared five simple ways people can support their mental health and overall well-being.

• The tips include practising kindness, taking breaks from social media and finding activities that make you feel good.

• UNICEF also encourages people to stay present, enjoy their hobbies and talk to trusted people about how they feel.

Mental health does not look the same for everyone. A person may feel stressed, worried or overwhelmed at one point and feel fine at another. The World Health Organization (WHO) describes mental health as a state of well-being that helps people cope with the normal stresses of life, learn, work and take part in their communities.

The United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has highlighted 5 simple ways people can take better care of their mental well-being, particularly when using digital platforms and dealing with everyday pressures.

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While these habits cannot replace professional treatment for someone experiencing a mental health condition, health authorities recognise self-care and healthy daily habits as useful parts of looking after mental well-being.

Treat your mental health with the same care you'd give your physical health. Just as you pay attention when your body is tired or unwell, your thoughts and emotions also deserve attention.

Mental health can be affected by stress, difficult life experiences, relationships and other circumstances. Data shows that people exposed to difficult conditions such as poverty, violence and inequality can face a higher risk of mental health problems.

Putting your mind first can therefore mean recognising when you are struggling instead of ignoring it. It could be as simple as getting enough rest, making time for activities you enjoy, managing stress or talking to someone you trust.

The important point is that looking after your mental health is part of looking after your overall health. 

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Be kind to yourself and others because kindness can help boost self-esteem.

Being kind to yourself means avoiding unnecessary self-blame when things go wrong. Instead of constantly telling yourself that you are a failure because you made a mistake, recognise the mistake and think about what you can learn from it.

Being kind to other people can also strengthen social connection and can help create a more supportive environment around you.

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Explore apps, videos and activities that can support your mental well-being. There are many digital resources designed to help people manage stress, relax, learn about mental health or practise activities such as meditation, exercise and yoga.

UNICEF points to online tools and content that can support mental well-being, including meditation apps, online learning, creative activities and exercise classes.

The WHO also recommends evidence-based psychological self-help interventions. These are structured exercises and techniques that people can use to manage psychological distress and symptoms, including through digital platforms. Research has found these interventions can be effective for problems such as depression and anxiety.

But not everything about mental health that appears online is reliable. A mental-health app, video or social-media post should not be used as medical advice. People experiencing serious or persistent symptoms may need help from a qualified health professional.

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Take a break from social media so you can focus on what really matters in your life. Spending time online is not automatically harmful. UNICEF points out that the internet can help people connect, learn and share information. But it can also make some people feel stressed, envious, lonely or less confident.

This is why taking a break can sometimes help. The organisation recommends paying attention to how social media affects your mood and setting personal limits when necessary.  It also suggests spending some time away from screens and reconnecting with people and activities in the real world.

Stay present, enjoy your hobbies and talk about your feelings with people you trust. Being present means paying attention to what you are doing now instead of constantly worrying about the past or what may happen in the future. Making time for hobbies can also give you a break from daily pressures. That might mean reading, playing football, listening to music, cooking, drawing, exercising or simply spending time with people you care about.

UNICEF encourages people to spend time with friends and family away from the online world and to stay connected in real life. Talking about how you feel is also important.

These simple habits can support mental well-being, but they are not a cure for every mental health problem. Anyone experiencing symptoms that are severe, persistent or interfering with everyday life should consider seeking professional support rather than relying only on self-care.