Living with a long-term mental health condition can feel overwhelming at times. Some days are better than others, and it’s easy to feel like you don’t have control over your thoughts, emotions, or daily life. That’s where self-management comes in.
Self-management helps people with mental health challenges learn practical skills to take care of themselves, stay well, and regain a sense of control. It’s not about doing everything alone, but about learning what works best for you and using that knowledge to build a healthier, more balanced life.
What Is Self-Management?
Self-management means taking an active role in your own recovery. It’s about understanding your condition, recognizing what helps you feel better, and planning for the times when you might struggle.
Many people with physical health conditions like diabetes or asthma practice self-management to handle their symptoms. The same approach can work for mental health, too. Research has shown that people who practice self-management often feel more confident, less anxious, and more in control of their wellbeing.
One of the best ways to learn self-management is through self-management courses. These courses help you understand your mental health condition and develop coping tools that make everyday life easier. They are often designed and taught by people who have gone through mental health challenges themselves, so they understand what you’re going through.
What Do Self-Management Courses Include?
Every course is slightly different, but most include a mix of useful information, discussion, and planning tools. Common topics include:
- Understanding your mental health condition and different treatment options
- Learning to spot early warning signs of a relapse
- Developing coping strategies for when symptoms become hard to manage
- Building confidence to ask for help or support when you need it
You’ll also learn practical ways to track your mood, manage stress, and make small lifestyle changes, like improving your sleep, eating habits, or daily routines.
Most courses are free and offered by trusted organizations. You can take part in person or online. Some run as live group sessions through video calls, while others use pre-recorded materials that you can complete at your own pace. Professionals also take courses to help them better understand and assist patients.
How Do Self-Management Courses Work?
These courses are built on one key idea: you are the expert in your own life. You understand your feelings, experiences, and triggers better than anyone else. The course simply gives you tools to use that knowledge in a more structured way.
Here’s what you’ll typically learn during a self-management course:
- How to recognize the early signs that your mental health might be getting worse
- How to identify what triggers your symptoms
- How to develop personal coping strategies that work for you
- How to connect with local or online peer support groups
- How to create a practical action plan for when you’re struggling
- How to make an advance decision or statement, via a document that outlines how you want to be cared for if you can’t make decisions for yourself in the future
By the end of most courses, you’ll have a toolkit of strategies and a plan that’s designed specifically around your needs and lifestyle. Many people also find comfort in meeting others who share similar experiences. It helps you realize that you’re not alone.
ISelf-Management Right for You?
Self-management can be very helpful, but it’s not always suitable for everyone at every stage. If you’re currently unwell, have recently been hospitalized, or find group settings stressful, it might be better to wait until you feel more stable before joining a course.
The sessions can be emotionally challenging, especially when discussing personal experiences or triggers. If you’re unsure whether it’s the right time for you, it’s okay to reach out to the course organizer and talk through your concerns. They can help you decide if it’s a good fit or suggest other forms of support in the meantime.
How to Find a Self-Management Course
If you’d like to try self-management, the first step is to ask your GP or another mental health professional involved in your care. They can tell you about available courses through government institutions and local organizations.
You can also search online for self-management or mental health recovery programs in your area. Some courses require a referral, while others let you sign up directly.
If formal courses aren’t available where you live, try exploring online workshops or WRAP templates that you can complete on your own. The most important thing is to take small steps toward understanding yourself and your needs.
Self-management isn’t about curing your condition, rather, it’s about learning how to live well with it. By understanding your triggers, planning ahead, and finding support, you can build confidence and take back control of your mental health. Remember, it’s not about being perfect or never having bad days, but about having the right tools to handle them when they come.
