One of the greatest challenges in maintaining mental health is not the stress of the outside world but the way we treat ourselves within our own minds. Many of us are kind and understanding toward others, yet when it comes to our own struggles, we turn into harsh critics. We replay mistakes, magnify shortcomings, and speak to ourselves in ways we would never speak to a friend. This inner harshness erodes self-esteem, fuels anxiety and depression, and leaves us feeling unworthy. The antidote to this silent suffering is self-compassion—the practice of treating ourselves with the same kindness, patience, and understanding that we readily offer to others.