Grief Care: Simple Steps for Supporting Yourself or a Loved One
Grief doesn't just tug at your heart—it settles into your whole body. You might notice your mind is foggy, or your chest feels tight, or maybe you can't sleep. These responses are common. Emotional pain has a way of showing up physically, so don't be surprised if you catch yourself feeling run down or out of sorts.
Good grief care means tending to both the ache in your chest and the tension in your shoulders. You might hear words like “somatic symptoms,” which just means your body is reacting to stress or sadness. That's normal, even if it's exhausting.
If you’re here, you’re probably looking for real ways to take care of yourself or support someone you love. This guide walks you through gentle techniques, therapist-backed self-care steps, and ideas for feeling just a little bit lighter—even on the hardest days. Let’s figure out together how to meet grief where it hurts, and find small pockets of relief as you go.
Understanding Grief’s Impact on the Body
Grief care doesn’t just live in your head or your heart. It seeps into every corner of your body, sometimes in ways that are easy to spot and other times in ways that leave you scratching your head. You might wake up feeling tired, tense, or out of balance. This isn’t just “in your mind” — your body listens and reacts whenever you’re hurting. When you know what to expect, it’s a little less scary, and a lot easier to remember that you’re not broken or alone.
The Body’s Physical Response to Loss
When we lose someone or something important, our bodies respond almost like we’re under attack. Heart pounding? That’s adrenaline. Muscles sore or stiff? Stress hormones are playing their part. The medical world calls this the “fight-or-flight” response. That just means your system is working overtime to deal with big feelings.
Here are some common ways grief care often involves the body:
Sleep problems: Tossing and turning, waking in the middle of the night, or needing way more sleep than usual can all show up when you’re grieving.
Change in appetite: You might eat more than normal or have no desire for food at all.
Fatigue: Even small tasks can feel like running a marathon.
Physical aches: Headaches, chest tightness, or stomach issues (sometimes called “somatic symptoms”) may come and go.
Weakened immune response: You might get sick more easily or feel run down.
If you notice these shifts, don’t brush them off. It’s your body waving a flag, asking for care and gentleness.
Why Your Body Feels Everything
Think of your body as a mirror—what happens in your mind and heart usually shows up on the outside. Grief activates the nervous system, almost like a built-in alarm. It changes your breathing, blood pressure, and even how your gut works. For some, grief feels like a steady ache in the chest or a pit in the stomach. For others, it’s waves of exhaustion that just never seem to fade.
Talking about these symptoms can feel strange, but it’s normal. Everyone’s experience is personal. You’re not “overreacting” or being dramatic. These signals mean something real is happening.
The Emotional-Physical Connection
Emotions have a sneaky habit of sliding into places you wouldn’t expect. Sadness can look like headaches. Worry might show up as knots in your stomach. Anger could bring muscle tension or jaw pain. This is what therapists mean by “mind-body connection.” It's one of the main ideas behind solid grief care. Take care of your body, and you’re helping your heart, too.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what this could look like:
Tension in shoulders or neck when feeling weighed down by sadness
A racing heart when memories hit out of nowhere
Digestive issues like nausea or stomach cramps when overwhelmed
These symptoms aren't signs of weakness. They’re natural responses, and your body is just trying to protect you.
Listening to Your Body’s Messages
Grief care means paying attention to the way your body speaks. Ignore it, and those gentle nudges might get louder. Listen, and you might pick up on what you really need—whether that’s rest, movement, water, or a quiet space to breathe.
A few simple tips to support your body during grief:
Check in with yourself a few times a day. Notice areas of pain or tightness, and try gentle stretches.
Eat regular meals even if you’re not hungry. Small snacks are okay.
Move in ways that feel doable, like slow walks, stretching, or even dancing in your living room.
Create a wind-down routine before bed—a warm shower, soft music, or reading can help signal your body that it’s time to rest.
Ask for help if symptoms don't let up or get worse. There’s no prize for toughing it out.
Grief care is about tuning in, responding with kindness, and remembering that every response is a piece of the healing puzzle. Your body isn’t the enemy. It’s just trying to keep up with your heart.
Grounding and Calming Practices
When grief throws your world off balance, taking care of your body and nervous system can help you find your feet again. Grounding and calming practices aren’t a magic fix, but they do offer small pockets of peace—those moments where your mind and body get a break. Grief care is about simple steps that can make each day just a little bit more bearable. These routines aren’t about “getting over it.” They’re about finding anchors when everything feels adrift.
Here’s how gentle movement, breathing, and kindness to yourself can support your healing.
Gentle Movement and Body Awareness
Grief can make your body feel heavy or locked up. You might notice tension in your shoulders or a dull ache in your chest. Giving your body a chance to move often loosens the pressure that sadness puts on your frame. Gentle movement isn’t about intense workouts or pushing through pain. It’s about kindness to your body—reminding yourself you’re still here.
Everyday movements can include:
Short walks outside, even if it’s just to the mailbox or a lap around the living room.
Slow stretching, focusing on relaxing your neck, shoulders, and back.
Simple yoga poses like child’s pose or gentle twists to release stiffness.
One soothing method is a body scan. Lie down or sit comfortably, then slowly bring your attention to different parts of your body—start at your toes and work your way up. Notice tightness, warmth, cold, or anything else. No need to judge, just observe. This helps your mind return to the present when memories or worries feel overwhelming.
Try grounding yourself through your senses when waves of grief hit. Look around and name:
5 things you see
4 things you can touch
3 things you hear
2 things you can smell
1 thing you can taste
This “5-4-3-2-1” practice gives your brain a moment to reset and can be repeated whenever you need calm.
Breathwork and Relaxation Skills
When sorrow tightens your chest or spins your thoughts, breathing can help dial down the chaos. Breathwork is a fancy word for paying attention to your breath on purpose.
Some therapists talk about DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) or ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)—two types of therapy that help you stay present when everything feels too much. Both use breathing to help settle your body and mind.
Box Breathing is a simple technique:
Breathe in through your nose for 4 counts.
Hold that breath for 4 counts.
Exhale through your mouth for 4 counts.
Pause with empty lungs for 4 counts.
Picture tracing the edges of a square as you breathe. Repeat this for 3-4 cycles. It helps your nervous system slow down when emotions speed up.
4-7-8 Breathing works well if you feel panicked or can’t sleep:
Inhale through your nose for 4 counts.
Hold your breath for 7 counts.
Exhale gently for 8 counts, letting the air out slowly.
This longer exhale activates your body’s calming chemistry. Try it lying down, with a hand resting lightly on your chest or stomach.
Practicing mindfulness means noticing your breath, the temperature of the air, or the weight of your feet on the ground. If your mind jumps to worries (and it will), just guide your focus gently back to the present—no scolding or judging.
Guided Self-Compassion
Grief care isn’t only about what you do, but how gently you treat yourself along the way. Self-compassion can be a lifeline on days you feel raw. This is the practice of treating yourself with the same kindness you’d give a friend who’s hurting.
Try these ideas for self-soothing:
Place a hand over your heart or on your cheek. The warmth can be a reminder that you’re still connected, still human.
Keep something meaningful nearby—a soft blanket, a favorite mug, an old photo. Physical reminders can anchor you in safety.
Speak kind words to yourself, even if it feels awkward. Phrases like “This is hard, but I’m doing my best,” or “It’s okay to feel this way,” build up comfort over time.
Building simple routines adds safety and steadiness to days that feel unpredictable. Even something as small as making tea at the same time each morning or writing a few lines in a journal can help mark time and create a soft place to land.
Above all, allow yourself grace. There’s no one way to grieve. Approaching yourself with patience and understanding is at the heart of real grief care.
Emotional Regulation Techniques
When grief storms through your life, emotions can spin out in every direction. Sadness, anger, numbness, guilt, even flashes of relief—these are all normal, if overwhelming. The key isn’t to shove feelings away or force yourself to “move on.” Good grief care means making space for what you feel and giving yourself the tools to ride out the rough patches. This section breaks down approachable, therapist-approved strategies for staying afloat during emotional surges.
Skills From DBT and CBT
Emotions often feel huge and demanding, urging us to either fix them right away or run for cover. But you don’t always need to “solve” how you feel. A big part of grief care is allowing yourself to notice your emotions without rushing to make them disappear. Sound strange? Actually, this is a skill you can practice.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) both offer solid tools for handling big emotions. You don’t have to become a therapy expert—just learning the basics goes a long way.
Try starting with these concepts:
Pause and Name: When a strong feeling pops up, take a breath and give it a label—anger, guilt, deep sadness. Saying it out loud or writing it down makes it less scary. It’s like greeting a guest at the door rather than pretending no one’s there.
Notice Without Judgment: Tell yourself, “This is just one feeling. It won’t last forever.” This shifts your focus from fighting or avoiding your emotions to simply sharing space with them for a bit.
Some DBT skills pack extra power for moments of distress. TIPP is a favorite for therapists because you can use it anytime, anywhere. Here’s what the letters stand for:
Temperature: Splash cold water on your face or hold an ice cube. The physical shock helps shift your body out of panic mode, even if only for a minute.
Intense Exercise: Move with energy—march in place, do jumping jacks, or shake out your hands. Fast bursts of movement tell your nervous system it’s safe to calm down.
Paced Breathing: Breathe in slowly for four counts, then out for six to eight. Focus on gentle, steady breaths.
Paired Muscle Relaxation: Tense and release muscle groups, one at a time (like squeezing your fists tight, then letting go). This eases physical tension and helps you tune in to your body’s “calm” signal.
CBT gives you another trick: reframing. When a heavy thought like “I can’t handle this” shows up, try flipping it to something like, “I’m having a hard day, but I’ve gotten through before.” This isn’t forced positivity. It’s about shining a bit of light into dark corners so you can see there’s more to the story.
These small skills, practiced over time, build your emotional muscles. You don’t have to do it perfectly—just show up for yourself when you can.
Grounding With Somatic and EMDR-Inspired Tools
Grief doesn’t just stay put in your heart; it lives in your limbs, your chest, and sometimes even your skin. Somatic therapy focuses on calming the body, which often helps the mind quiet down, too.
One gentle technique is the Butterfly Hug. It’s simple—cross your arms over your chest and rest your hands on your shoulders (like you’re giving yourself a hug). Then, alternate tapping your hands, left then right, in a slow, steady rhythm. This movement sends calming signals to your brain and helps you feel safer and more present in your body.
Tapping (sometimes called EFT or Emotional Freedom Techniques) also uses gentle taps—usually on your hands, face, or chest—to ease stress. No complicated moves here. Just tap lightly with your fingertips while breathing slow and deep. This creates a focus on the body and shifts your attention away from racing thoughts.
You might have heard of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). It’s a kind of therapy that helps people process tough memories by using “bilateral stimulation”—moving your eyes side to side, or tapping alternately on each side of your body. You don’t need to be in full therapy mode to borrow some EMDR-inspired skills at home.
Try a basic version: Look from left to right slowly, tracking your gaze back and forth, or lightly tap one knee then the other. This “dual attention” method lightly distracts the brain while gently giving your feelings some room to exist without taking over.
Why do these moves help? Grief care is a full-body job. When your body feels soothed and safe, your mind often follows. Small, physical actions like these remind your nervous system that, even when waves of emotion crash in, you have ways to ride them out—one gentle step at a time.
These soothing skills are not about “fixing” your grief, but about making each day more bearable, one breath and moment at a time. Keep these tools in your grief care kit and reach for them whenever things feel too heavy.
Building Support and Connection
When you’re in the thick of grief, it’s easy to feel cut off and alone—even when people are all around you. The truth is, connection is one of the hidden tools of good grief care. Reaching out doesn’t fix the loss, but it does help soften the edges. Support isn’t just about talking to someone. It’s about finding safe places and gentle habits that keep you going, day after day. This section covers how to spot the right people and spaces, plus how to care for yourself in ways that last.
Safe People and Spaces
Grief has a knack for making everything feel uncertain. Sometimes even picking up the phone can seem like too much. Choosing who you lean on matters. You want folks who “get it” or at least try, people who don’t judge your mess or rush you to feel better.
Start with those you already trust—a partner, close friend, family member, or even a faith leader if that fits your life. These are your “safe people.” You probably know who they are by how your body feels around them—do you breathe a little easier? Do your shoulders drop? That’s a green light.
But what if your go-to crowd isn’t available, or you’re worried you’ll wear them out? That’s when professional support comes into play. Therapists, especially those with experience in grief care, offer more than just advice. They listen deeply, pay attention to your story, and help you carry the tough stuff without making it heavier. Some people think going to counseling means you’re “not coping,” but actually, it can be a smart way to protect your well-being. Grief therapists, social workers, or grief groups all count as professional support.
If you’re thinking, “How do I even start this conversation?”—keep it simple and honest. You don’t have to come up with perfect words. Try something like:
“I’m really struggling and could use someone to talk to right now.”
“Can you just be with me? I don’t need advice.”
“I’m not sure what I need, but it feels heavy.”
You set the pace. You decide how much you want to share. And sometimes it helps to put it in writing if talking feels too raw. A text, email, or even a note on the kitchen counter works.
The key is finding places—real or virtual—where it feels okay to be just as you are. That might mean a friend’s couch, a favorite walking trail, or even an online support group. Every layer of support matters, and you deserve it.
Self-Care That Lasts
When people talk about self-care, they often picture bubble baths or pampering. Those are nice, sure, but lasting grief care is about building routines that gently support you day after day. You’re not looking for a quick fix. You want habits that stick, especially when energy and focus are hard to come by.
Small, steady habits work best. Think of them as anchors for your day—simple things you return to without overthinking.
Focus on the basics:
Eat regularly: Grief can sap your appetite or make you want to eat everything in sight. Try not to skip meals. Even a light snack counts. Your brain and body need energy, especially when dealing with strong emotions.
Drink enough water: Dehydration sneaks up when you’re distracted by pain. Fill a bottle in the morning and keep it nearby. Add a slice of lemon or a splash of juice to make it more appealing.
Stick to a sleep routine: Grief often messes with sleep. Try to keep a steady bedtime, even if you just lay in bed and rest. A dark, quiet room helps signal your body it’s time to wind down. If your mind races at night, jot down worries or reminders before bed.
Here are a few more gentle self-care ideas that don’t take much energy:
Start and end each day with a small ritual. Light a candle, play quiet music, stretch, or take a few deep breaths.
Keep a comfort item nearby. A soft blanket, a warm drink, or a favorite sweatshirt gives comfort through small, familiar touches.
Notice when you need a break. Say “no” when you have to, and protect time to be alone if you need it.
Let some sunlight in. Even short bursts of fresh air or light can lift your mood.
The best habits are gentle, not demanding. You’re not looking for perfection or hitting goals—just steady, kind rituals to keep you upright as you ride the waves.
Every step you take, no matter how slow, is a form of care. Grief care isn’t about fixing all the hard feelings, but giving yourself enough support so you have a place to land—again and again.
Practical Tips for Everyday Calm
When you’re caring for yourself or someone you love during grief, finding even brief moments of calm can shift the whole day. These aren’t grand gestures or complicated routines—they’re like little rescue buoys you can grab when emotional waves rise. Sometimes the smallest habits, repeated gently, work better than big sweeping changes. Grief care in daily life isn’t about a total makeover. It’s about stacking up tiny peaceful moments until you start to feel safe in your own skin again.
The Power of Tiny Habits
Big goals often fall flat when you’re grieving. Energy dips, motivation goes missing, or everything just feels “too much.” So, shrink it down. Focus on actions so simple you could do them on your worst day.
Pick from these ideas to build your own calm kit:
Sip a glass of cold water, and pay attention to the feel of it as you swallow.
Open a window and notice the fresh air or the sounds outside for one minute.
Rub a small amount of lotion or oil into your hands, taking time with the gentle motion.
Light a candle or switch on a lamp in the evening, cueing your mind that the day is winding down.
Jot down one “good enough” thing about your day, even if it’s tiny (“I got out of bed. That counts.”).
Stacking very small habits like these creates a steady undercurrent of comfort. When big feelings hit, you have a few safe, familiar actions to lean on.
Create Pockets of Peace in Busy Days
There’s no need to reinvent your schedule. Fold calming moments into what you’re already doing. These small additions don’t ask for extra time—they just shift the energy of the moments you already have.
Try adding calm to daily routines like this:
When you brush your teeth, pause and feel your feet on the floor. Notice the temperature of the water.
While waiting for coffee to brew or toast to pop, gently stretch your arms overhead or roll your shoulders back.
If you drive or commute, notice the feeling of the seat, the sound of the engine, or the color of the sky. Use red lights or stops as mini “breathe” cues.
On a bathroom break, let your shoulders drop and exhale slowly.
Think of these like speed bumps, slowing you down just enough to catch your breath.
Engage Your Senses for Instant Calm
Sensory input is a trick for grounding yourself without much effort. Grief care is often about redirecting attention away from painful thoughts for a minute and into your body. When you feel anxious or overwhelmed, tap into your senses to anchor yourself.
Here are easy ways to try this:
Touch: Hold something cool, soft, or textured (a stone, a cozy sweater, a warm mug).
Smell: Inhale the scent of your soap, tea, or favorite lotion.
Sound: Play soft music, listen to gentle nature sounds, or simply focus on the hum in your space.
Sight: Find a calming color or view—a plant, the sky, a photo that feels safe.
Taste: Suck on a mint, sip broth, or slowly eat a favorite snack.
Your senses work like an emergency brake for stormy thoughts. A single sensory cue can reroute your mind—even briefly—bringing you back to the present.
Give Yourself Permission to Pause
Grief often comes with its own schedule and pressure. You may feel like you're expected to be “productive” or “moving on” when all you want is a break. It’s important to remind yourself that slowing down is part of real grief care. It’s not lazy. It’s not avoidance. It’s medicine.
Try giving yourself a “pause pass”:
If you forget something or blank out, let it happen. Your mind is working hard.
If tears fall out of nowhere, don’t rush to hide them. Grab a tissue, take a breath, and let them run their course.
Give yourself permission to stop tidying, answering texts, or rushing. Five minutes in the quiet can do more than a whole afternoon of errands.
When you start to feel guilty for pausing, remember: You wouldn’t expect your phone to run forever without charging. The same goes for your heart.
Be Your Own Safe Place
Grief can make the world feel sharp or unfriendly, and sometimes the person you trusted for comfort isn’t there. Learning to be a safe space for yourself, even in small ways, is a skill worth practicing.
These actions may help:
Talk to yourself with gentle words you’d offer a friend.
Visualize a safe space when you close your eyes. This could be a real place—like a calming room or backyard—or an imagined one, like being wrapped in a soft blanket of light.
Wear something soft or familiar, and let the fabric remind you that you’re cared for, even if just by yourself.
Let yourself be “off duty.” You don’t have to be strong or presentable every moment.
Taking time to offer yourself safety and softness is a radical (and deeply kind) act of grief care. The world might expect you to “tough it out,” but you deserve comfort, too.
When to Ask for More Help
Sometimes calm just won’t come, or everything seems overwhelming no matter what you try. This doesn’t mean you’re failing at grief care or need to just “toughen up.” It’s a signal that another layer of help could be useful.
Reach out to a trusted friend or professional and let them know how heavy things feel.
Use resources like grief support lines, online communities, or simple therapy directories if you’re not sure where to start.
Remember, needing extra support is normal. Even the strongest people need to put their burdens down sometimes.
You deserve to find peace—even if it’s just for a few minutes at a time. Every small calm moment is a thread that helps hold you together. Let yourself take what you need, and trust that it’s okay to start as small as you want. Our team at ATX Mental Health is here for you when you’re ready.
FAQs About Calming and Supporting Your Body During Grief
Everyone moving through grief has questions. It’s normal to wonder about what’s “supposed to” happen, how long the hard parts last, or why your body seems to be reacting in ways that catch you off guard. You might find yourself managing anxiety, struggling with sleep, or worrying about your kids or teens. That’s okay—these are real concerns. Honest answers and clear steps help take the edge off the unknowns. Below, let’s walk through the most common questions about caring for your body and mind with Grief Care.
How long do physical symptoms of grief usually last?
Physical symptoms from grief, like fatigue, headaches, tense muscles, and changes in sleep or appetite, often come and go in waves. For most people, these body signals soften after a few weeks or months, but it’s common to have “up and down” days far beyond that.
You might feel better for a while, then get hit with a new wave.
Anniversaries, holidays, or reminders can stir things up again.
Some symptoms, like exhaustion or stomach aches, may linger longer for others.
If your symptoms last longer than a few months or get in the way of your daily life, you might want extra support. Bodies heal at their own pace, and grief doesn’t go by any calendar.
What if anxiety or panic attacks continue?
Anxiety is a stubborn part of many grief stories. Panic attacks—those rushes of chest tightness, dizziness, or breathlessness—can show up even when you don’t “feel” anxious.
It helps to remind yourself these symptoms aren’t dangerous, even when they’re intense.
Try body-based coping tools, like grounding exercises or slow, counted breathing.
Some people find comfort in keeping ice packs, a favorite scent, or something to squeeze nearby.
If anxiety keeps “hijacking” your days or panic attacks become common, consider reaching out for grief care with a mental health professional. Therapy can give you specific tools and a safe place to practice them until the hard feelings don’t have as much power.
Are there foods or supplements that can help with stress during grief?
Grief can change your desire for food, making you eat more or less than usual. Some basics go a long way:
Steady blood sugar is helpful for mood swings. Small, regular meals with protein (like eggs, chicken, nuts) and carbs (like rice, bread, fruits) can help.
Hydration matters. Water, tea, or broths count. Low water can worsen headaches or tiredness.
Some people find comfort in warm, easy foods—think soups, oatmeal, toast.
Gentle supplements like magnesium or B vitamins may ease stress for some, but always check with your doctor first before adding anything new.
There’s no magic food or pill to “fix” grief, but nourishing your body helps build strength for the hard work of healing.
When should I see a professional for grief-related body symptoms?
It’s time to get expert support when:
Physical symptoms are strong, non-stop, or get worse over time
You notice trouble with basic things like eating, sleeping, or moving around
Panic, pain, or sadness make it hard to care for yourself or others
Sometimes grief masks other conditions, like depression or post-traumatic stress, that need special care. If you’re not sure, you can always start with a phone call to your primary care doctor or a grief-focused therapist. Even just one session can bring relief and set you up with the right plan. If you’re ready to talk to someone about your grief, get started here.
How can I help a child or teen calm their body when grieving?
Kids and teens grieve in their own way. Their bodies may be restless, tense, or withdrawn. They might show grief by acting out or getting sick more often.
Invite them to move: walks, shooting hoops, or dancing in the living room all count.
Try “grounding” games, like naming five things they can see or feel.
Encourage simple routines around snacks, sleep, or quiet time.
Offer calming tools—a favorite stuffed animal, music, or cozy blankets.
Let them know it’s okay to take breaks and ask questions, even the tough ones. The goal isn’t to erase their pain, but to help them feel safe in their bodies as they move through it.
What if grounding or breathing exercises make things worse?
Sometimes, instead of feeling better, certain soothing strategies can bring up more pain, memories, or even panic. This happens, and it doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong.
You can always stop an exercise if it feels too much.
Try switching to a different tool, like listening to music, holding something cold, or talking with a friend.
Notice which actions add comfort (even briefly) and which don’t—your body will help guide you.
If lots of calming exercises backfire, you aren’t “failing.” It’s a sign your nervous system might need a gentler approach or some new techniques, possibly with a grief care professional alongside you.
Your body’s signals are real. You deserve care that meets you where you are—even if that means finding new methods or reaching for help. Grief is tough, but you don’t have to wrestle with it alone.
Conclusion
Grief Care isn’t about checking off boxes or reaching some hidden finish line—it’s about taking things one day at a time and giving yourself space to heal your way. Every grief story looks different, and that’s not just OK, it’s expected. The pace you need is the right pace.
Self-compassion matters here. Remind yourself that setbacks are not failures, and feeling stuck does not mean you’re broken. Even the smallest daily acts of care count, whether that’s pausing for a breath, reaching out to someone who listens, or letting your body rest.
If you feel overwhelmed, that’s a signal—not a weakness. It’s a reminder that help, comfort, and connection are always worth reaching for. There’s no shame in needing support; it’s human. We all have moments when we want someone to walk with us.
You don’t have to map out this journey alone. Trusted resources, community, and compassionate professionals (trained in things like trauma or grief therapy) can offer real relief if things stay heavy. If you’re curious, check out our resources page for more next steps, guides, and support options.
Thank you for caring for yourself or a loved one in this way. Your story and your progress matter. Take your time. And remember: There is room for hope, even in the hardest chapters. What’s one gentle thing you could offer yourself today?
Here to talk trauma with you,
—the ATX Mental Health team