"With self-compassion, we give ourselves the same kindness and care we'd give to a good friend… " Dr Kristin Neff
You may not be ready or even want specialist support or you may want something to compliment it. Wherever you are at, know that you are not on your own and there a variety of steps you can take to look after yourself – just as you would a good friend. It’s important and you deserve it.
There is a whole range of self-help out there and it can take some time to work out which ones feel right for you; there's no right or wrong – everyone is different. Start small; pick out the things that interest you and leave the rest and try and do a little bit each day. Practice the techniques you are learning when you are going about your day not just when you are feeling overwhelmed.
Here are some useful starting points for developing a compassionate mind and self help topics to explore from the Student Wellbeing Team at Hallam
Specific self help for those who have experienced sexual violence
In our work supporting students who have experienced sexual violence, a number of topics regularly come up and, with this in mind, we have put together a collection of self-help materials and some tools to help you cope.
Please note that as with any self-help it can trigger distressing thoughts and feelings; be kind to yourself, take your time, stop if it is too much and seek help when you need to. If you don't have someone to talk to or need someone extra you can contact us (no obligation to make a report) or a specialist service
Somerset & Avon Rape and Sexual Abuse Support (SARAS)
self-help guides Please note, does not included a guide for Sheffield area services