Practicing Self-Compassion

Living with Depression, Anxiety, and PTSD can be incredibly heavy. Many of us carry not only the weight of our symptoms, but also guilt, shame, or harsh self-judgment for how we’ve coped, what we’ve missed, or who we believe we “should” be by now.

At DBSA Northridge, we want to gently remind you that healing includes how we speak to ourselves. This is where self-compassion and self-forgiveness become powerful parts of the recovery journey.

Self-compassion means offering ourselves the same kindness, patience, and understanding we would give to a loved one who is struggling. It acknowledges that mental health conditions are not personal failures.

Research shows that self-compassion can reduce symptoms of Depression and Anxiety, strengthen emotional resilience, and help calm the nervous system—especially for those living with trauma and PTSD.

Self-forgiveness is not about excusing harm or ignoring responsibility. It is about releasing ourselves from relentless self-punishment.

When we live with Depression, Anxiety, or PTSD, our minds and bodies are often operating in survival mode. We did the best we could with the tools, insight, and support we had at the time.

Letting go of self-blame creates space for growth, healing, and hope.

If practicing self-compassion feels difficult, please know you are not alone. Many of us were never taught how to be gentle with ourselves—especially if we have experienced trauma, criticism, or chronic stress. Self-compassion is a practice. It develops slowly, one intentional moment at a time.

Today, DBSA Northridge invites you to try one small step:

• Pause and notice your inner dialogue

• Ask yourself, “Would I speak this way to someone I care about?”

• Replace one self-critical thought with a compassionate one

Healing is not linear. Progress does not mean perfection. You are worthy of patience, understanding, and forgiveness—exactly as you are, right now.

Our DBSA Northridge community exists to remind each other that none of us has to walk this journey alone.