If you’re learning how to care for your mental health, you’ve likely come across the idea of “safe spaces.” These are places where you can feel comfortable and supported without fear of judgment or harm. For teens, a safe space can look like a place to relax and recharge away from the stress of school and social pressures, but they can also be spaces where there are people who they can be totally themselves with. For some teens, a therapist’s office, a youth center, or a trusted friend’s home might be their safe space. Knowing how to find or create a safe space is a part of caring for your mental health.
Having a safe space can also make it easier to prioritize self-care. Self-care is more than just bubble baths or face masks — it’s about setting boundaries, taking rest, and doing activities that bring you joy and peace. Learn more about safe spaces and how you can use them when you read on at Ascend.
What Is a Safe Space?
Think about the places in your life where you feel most comfortable — like you can be yourself. These could be places like your bedroom, a favorite park, or even a certain chair in your living room. These are all examples of safe spaces — areas where you feel at ease and are free to express yourself without fear of judgment or harm.
People can also be safe spaces. These are individuals with whom you feel comfortable talking and can be yourself without fear of being judged or rejected. Safe people could be friends, family members, teachers, therapists, mentors, or anyone who makes you feel supported and understood.
How Safe Spaces Help with Prioritizing Self-Care
Self-care, as the name suggests, is about taking care of yourself. There’s a saying that “self-care isn’t selfish”— it’s not about being lazy, indulgent, or selfish. Instead, it’s about making choices that put your health first. That might mean saying no to plans when you’re overwhelmed, limiting the time you spend with people who bring you down, or prioritizing time for relaxing activities that make you happy. The importance of self-care can’t be overstated — it’s a part of every mental health support plan.
3 Ways to Learn How to Create a Safe Space for Self-Care
Now that you understand the importance of self-care, you should learn how to create a safe space to enhance and ensure your self-care habits.
1. Identify Your Needs
Understanding and identifying your needs is an essential part of learning how to create a safe space that truly supports your mental health. Maybe you feel best in a clean, organized space, so take some time to tidy up your room or create a designated self-care corner. Or maybe you need quiet and privacy, so consider setting boundaries with household members or investing in noise-canceling headphones.
2. Establish Boundaries
Not sure how to create boundaries? Here are a few tips:
- Be assertive and clear in your communication. Let others know when you need space or when something is not okay with you.
- Say no without feeling guilty. Remember, taking care of yourself is important and necessary.
- Set limits on the amount of time or energy you give to others. It’s okay to prioritize your own needs.
3. Seek Support
How you create a safe space isn’t something that must be done alone. Reach out to trusted friends, family members, or professionals for support in developing and maintaining your safe space. They can provide helpful tips, validate your needs, and offer a listening ear when needed.
Talk to Ascend About Teen Mental Health Help
Ready to take the next step in making your mental health a priority? Talking to a teen mental health professional can make a difference. Whether you need an intensive residential program to help with a complete reset or you’re looking for a lower level of care with an outpatient program, we can help.
Call 310.388.3713 or contact Ascend online today to learn more about your options.
