Self-compassion
Treating yourself with the same understanding you would offer a friend who is struggling. Linked to lower anxiety and depression and greater resilience.
Category: Concepts and skills
What is self-compassion?
Self-compassion has three components: kindness toward yourself instead of harsh judgment, recognising that struggle is part of being human, and observing your pain without exaggerating or suppressing it.
Key things to know
It is not self-pity, indulgence, or lowered standards. Studies associate self-compassion with more accountability and persistence after failure, not less.
- Three parts: self-kindness, common humanity, balanced awareness of pain.
- It is linked to lower anxiety and depression and better resilience.
- It is not self-pity, indulgence, or lowered standards.
- Studies link it to more accountability after failure, not less.
- Compassion-focused therapy and mindful self-compassion programs train it.
What helps
It can be trained through structured practices, including compassion-focused therapy and mindful self-compassion programs.
How SelfMind can help
SelfMind is an AI companion for everyday mental health support: a private place to talk through what you are feeling, in Hindi, English or Hinglish, at any hour. It is not therapy and not a crisis service; it works alongside professional care, never in place of it. You can try it free, no account needed.
Try a quiz
Meet Your Inner Critic. A short check-in related to self-compassion, with a personal result at the end. 2 minutes, free, no signup.
Related terms
This entry is educational information, not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a treatment plan. For assessment and treatment, consult a qualified mental health professional. If you are in crisis, see our crisis resources. In India, Tele-MANAS is free at 14416, 24x7.