Why It’s So Hard to Be Kind to Yourself - And Why It Matters

You would never speak to a friend the way you speak to yourself. So why is self-kindness so difficult? Hi, I'm Dr. Andrea Zorbas. I'm a psychologist from TherapyNowSF. Many people struggle with self-compassion even though it's essential for mental and emotional health. Let's explore what gets in the way and why it's worth working on.

So first off, self-criticism often starts early. Many of us internalize harsh voices from childhood, whether that's from teachers or parents, or even peers, and we carry those patterns into adulthood.

Next, we confuse self-kindness with weakness. Some believe being hard on themselves will make them stronger or more successful. But in actuality, research shows it actually undermines resilience.

Lastly, kindness builds strength, not complacency. When you treat yourself with compassion, you're more likely to take healthy risks, recover from setbacks, and in summary, grow.

So in conclusion, if being kind to yourself feels unnatural, you're not alone. Therapy Now SF can help you shift your inner dialogue and strengthen your mental health from the inside out.