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Did you know that May 6th-12th, 2024, is Mental Health Week in Canada?
This week is dedicated to raising awareness and sharing insights and resources on mental health, which warms my heart. It shows how far we have come in supporting each other, ourselves, and our communities.
This year, Mental Health Week focuses on ‘A Call to Be Kind’ and ‘The Healing Power of Compassion,’ themes that resonate deeply with my personal practice. I’m passionate about sharing ways to embody self-compassion with others, so let's explore how compassion can foster a connection with ourselves and others.
It's natural to experience emotions that don't quite fit the ideal of happiness or contentment, especially during life's challenges. Sometimes, these feelings can be unsettling, even overwhelming. Yet, the reflexive response often involves avoidance or suppression, as if acknowledging them somehow validates their existence.
But here's the truth: it's okay not to feel okay.
It's okay to be sad, frustrated, or lonely. All our emotions, even the uncomfortable ones, are valid parts of the human experience. They contribute to the richness of our emotional landscape and allow us to appreciate comfortable and expansive emotions fully. All feelings have a purpose and value, which shape our human experience.
How are you doing, really?
When someone asks, "How are you?" it's easy to default to the automatic responses of "good," "fine," or "okay." But what if we truly took a moment to check in with ourselves? What if we allowed ourselves to acknowledge and validate whatever emotions we were experiencing?
By giving ourselves permission to feel, we're practicing self-compassion. Our emotions serve as messengers, providing insights into our inner world. They remind us that we're human and deserving of kindness and understanding.
Take the time to check in with yourself and reach out to others.
Reach out to friends, family members, or support groups. Social support and connection are important aspects of kindness and self-compassion, which can help maintain mental well-being.
Self-kindness lies at the core of self-compassion. Often, we extend more kindness and empathy to others than we do to ourselves, holding ourselves to a different standard.
Know that self-kindness and self-compassion don’t always come naturally. To cultivate self-compassion, this is a gentle reminder to treat yourself as you would a kind friend—because you deserve the same kindness you offer others.
Looking for a little self-kindness reminder? Here is one of my go-to’s: “In this moment, I am enough.”
For many people, self-compassion does not come naturally — and that is okay. If you grew up in an environment where your feelings were dismissed, where perfectionism was expected, or where you learned to put everyone else first, being kind to yourself can feel uncomfortable or even wrong. This is where therapy can help. In counselling, we gently explore the origins of your inner critic and build new pathways toward self-kindness. Somatic therapy adds a body-based dimension, helping you notice when self-criticism shows up physically — the clenched jaw, the tight stomach — and offering your body a different experience. If perfectionism resonates, you may also connect with Procrastination: An Inner Rebellion from a Perfectionist.
Acknowledging that we're not okay can be a powerful catalyst for growth and self-discovery. It's the first step toward seeking support, if needed, fostering a sense of compassionate acceptance within ourselves. Rather than viewing discomfort as something to be avoided, we can see it as an opportunity for learning and transformation.
Progress is often non-linear and requires time and perseverance.
I encourage you to be especially gentle with yourself during times of struggle. Whether getting out of bed on a difficult day, practicing a new coping skill, or reading this blog post, every step forward deserves recognition and praise. Those tiny steps lead to little wins that become small victories on a mental health journey. Celebrate yourself!
Remember, you are not alone in your struggles. It's okay to reach out for help and to lean on others when needed. This is where counsellors and mental health practitioners, like myself, can play an essential role in supporting your needs. We're here to help. Together, we can navigate life’s challenges and the complexities of our emotional landscape with courage and resilience. Whether you are in Port Moody, BC, or elsewhere, this is a gentle reminder that compassion helps us connect.
Check out the Canadian Mental Health Association to learn more about Mental Health Week, how to participate, and how to help take mental health awareness beyond this week.
Self-compassion is not something you either have or you do not. It is a practice — one that gets easier with support. If your inner critic has been running the show, book a free consultation and we can talk about what shifting that pattern might look like.
Until next time,
- Bethany
Disclaimer: This content is solely for educational purposes and is not a replacement for therapy or medical advice.
