Be Kind To Yourself

     There are times when we are having a rough day and we can’t seem to keep our anxiety in check. Sometimes there is a rough couple of days, a week or what feels like your entire life. When it gets too much to manage we tend to say things to ourselves like “why am I this way”, “Why can’t I just be normal”, “You’re so ridiculous, just get a grip already.” Those are not nice things to say to yourself. In fact, that kind of thinking will literally solve nothing. It just adds to the stigma that people who suffer from mental health issues are “damaged.” We’re not damaged. I’m not. You’re not.

     Those negative things you tell yourself aren’t true. Be kind to yourself. If you saw someone who was sad, what would you do? Would you walk up to them and tell that they are being a wuss and that they are stupid for being sad? NO. You would comfort them, ask them what’s wrong, and try to console them. If you saw someone bullying your friend, would you think that they deserved it or would you stand up for them and help them? That’s right, you would stand up for them! If your friend had made a mistake and they felt bad about it, would you call them a moron? Would you tell them that they are a stupid human being? Of course not! SO WHY DO WE TALK TO OURSELVES LIKE THAT? I don’t really have an answer to that, but I do know that it is not okay. It’s demeaning and it makes us feel worse. Be kind to yourself.

·         If you find yourself crying for no reason, don’t call yourself a cry baby. Instead, tell yourself, “Hey You! It’s okay to cry, everyone breaks down at some point.”

·         If you made a mistake, don’t beat yourself up over it and call yourself an idiot. Instead, say “Hey Self, everyone makes mistakes, it’s fine. You can try better next time.”

·         If you forgot that you made plans with a friend don’t get mad at yourself and tell yourself that you’re a bad friend. Instead, forgive yourself and tell your friend that you’re sorry and you will make it up to them.

     The list goes on and on and on, but you get the point. Whatever the case, do not under any circumstance say mean or hurtful things about yourself. Keep in mind that it’s going to be an adjustment. If you’ve been saying negative things constantly it’s almost like your brain has been trained to automatically to say them. You are not going to be able to get it right every time and there may be a time or two that you DO say something mean. It’s okay. Don’t sweat it. Don’t go being mean to yourself because you forgot to be kind to yourself. You will get it next time.

     So, as my Granny used to say, “Be Sweet!”

With Love & Support,

Anxiety Girl - xoxo