Weekly Prompt #28: How do you practice self-compassion when struggling with depression?
Welcome back, group! I hope you are all being easy on yourself this week.
Last week we discussed: How are you feeling today?. Thank you to all who participated and shared their thoughts and questions for discussion. They were thought-provoking questions and thoughts. I hope you all did too. If you didn't share yours, please share them here and I look forward to reading and discussing them with you
This week's prompt: How do you practice self-compassion when struggling with depression?
Please know all thoughts and experiences are valid so no matter how small or big it seems, do share with us and we will discuss our thoughts on it together.
Self-compassion was not in my dictionary when for the decades I had been first diagnosed with depression. Back in the days, depression made me think that things that are happening is what I deserve, that is must have been something that caused a certain result, whether that be something bad or worse. If there was something good that came out of it, it was temporary and did not feel real.
This "self-compassion" term, didn't make a mark in my dictionary until the time where I decided to stop taking medications for my depression, insomnia, and anxiety. For many years, I have heard that these medications will be harmful to our bodies later down the road, and the main reason to stop them was, I was using it in ways that (I end up in the hospital). During my road of recovery, that was when I learned what self-compassion is. As depression is going to be a part of me for the rest of my life, to know how self-compassion works has become a continuous learning experience. Some days are easier, while other days, I kind of just let my depression take over.
@ASilentObserver
@ASilentObserver
How do you practice self-compassion when struggling with depression?
One way I would do this is by working on myself through mindfulness, writing out thing in my journal and using my coping skills. Whether you suffer from depression or not self compassion is something we work on to make sure we are not hard on ourselves. Telling ourselves we do the best we can one day at a time.
@pamharley003 That sounds like a great plan! Mindfulness, writing in a journal, and practicing self-compassion are all wonderful ways to take care of yourself. It's important to remember that everyone faces challenges, and it's okay to have difficult days. By taking things one day at a time and being kind to yourself, you can get through tough situations. Please know, you're doing the best you can, and that's something to be proud of.
@ASilentObserver my act of self-compassion is not blaming myself in any way for how I feel in those moments. I tell myself I am doing everything in my power. And give myself a compliment for not just giving up without a fight.
@ThoughtLight That sounds like a great act of self compassion. It can be challenging when we have difficult feelings but reminding ourselves we are doing our best can make a difference.
@ASilentObserver by gaining understanding I finally trained myself in realizing I have no reason for any self-blame. Another long lesson to set in. I learned everything the hard way more than once.
