Table 1.
Specific self-management strategies and frequency mentioned
| Self-management strategy | Number and percentage of participants who mentioned strategy |
|---|---|
| Speaking to or meeting up with friends or a partner | 13 (65%) |
| Distraction | 9 (45%) |
| Being productive or achieving something | 8 (40%) |
| Writing or journaling | 8 (40%) |
| Exercise | 7 (35%) |
| Speaking to or meeting up with family | 7 (35%) |
| Watching television, a specific series, or a movie | 6 (30%) |
| Listening to or playing music | 6 (30%) |
| Going to therapy or counselling, speaking to a professional | 5 (25%) |
| Sleeping, napping, or having a sleep schedule | 5 (25%) |
| Participating in enjoyable activities or hobbies | 5 (25%) |
| Balancing emotions or thoughts, recognising thinking errors, or stopping a downward spiral | 4 (20%) |
| Reading | 4 (20%) |
| Separating or detaching yourself from the situation | 4 (20%) |
| Going outside, going for a walk | 4 (20%) |
| Meditation | 3 (15%) |
| Eating well, having a healthy diet | 3 (15%) |
| Playing a game | 3 (15%) |
| Attending an LGBTQ+ youth group | 3 (15%) |
| Taking medication | 3 (15%) |
| Being positive | 3 (15%) |
| Being on your own or having time to yourself | 3 (15%) |
| Having a treat | 3 (15%) |
| Cooking or baking | 2 (10%) |
| Volunteering or helping others | 2 (10%) |
| Having a shower, taking a bath, hygiene | 2 (10%) |
| Taking a break, taking the pressure off | 2 (10%) |
| Drinking enough water | 2 (10%) |
| Painting and drawing | 2 (10%) |
| Gardening | 2 (10%) |
| Breathing | 2 (10%) |
| Drinking alcohol | 2 (10%) |
| Applying therapeutic techniques | 2 (10%) |
| Mindfulness | 2 (10%) |
| Speaking to a cuddly toy | 1 (5%) |
| Peer support | 1 (5%) |
| Letting it happen or breaking down | 1 (5%) |
| Recording a letter to yourself | 1 (5%) |
| Actively doing something | 1 (5%) |
| Using apps | 1 (5%) |
| Getting dressed in the morning | 1 (5%) |
| Taking vitamin D tablets | 1 (5%) |
| Stimming | 1 (5%) |
| Putting on comfy clothes | 1 (5%) |
| Self-harm | 1 (5%) |
| Crafting | 1 (5%) |
| Repetitive handwashing | 1 (5%) |
| Yoga | 1 (5%) |
| Positive self-reminders, mantras, or setting intentions | 1 (5%) |
| Anchoring techniques | 1 (5%) |
| Martial arts | 1 (5%) |
| Using resources | 1 (5%) |
| Using drugs or substances | 1 (5%) |
| Target shooting | 1 (5%) |