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Taking care of yourself

Self-compassion

Talk to yourself like someone worth helping — especially when you mess up.

What it is

Self-compassion is responding to your own pain with honesty and care. It does not excuse harmful choices. It gives you a steadier place from which to repair and grow.

What it can feel like

It can show up in your thoughts, body, habits, energy, sleep, or relationships. You might notice several signs, only one, or something that is hard to name. Your experience does not have to match anyone else’s to count.

“Being cruel to myself never made learning faster.”

In their words

What can help

Try making the next step smaller and more specific. Notice what you need, choose one action that fits your energy, and involve a trusted person when support would help. You do not have to turn care into another perfect routine.

When to get help

Talk to someone you trust if this keeps returning, feels unsafe, or gets in the way of sleep, food, school, work, relationships, or daily life. A counselor, therapist, or doctor can help you find support that fits. If you may hurt yourself or are in immediate danger, use Need help now? right away.

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Try something small

A next step, if you want one