Mental health and identity: How new trends can influence our self-image

 Our mental health is strong connected with our identity. How we see ourselves influences our well-being and the other way round. In the last years many new approaches were developed, that should help us to live a physically healthier life and create a more healthier self-image. One of these trends is "self-compassion". Normally we tend to be too hard to ourselves, but some researches show that a friendly and understanding way with ourselves is better for our longtime mental health and can also give stability. But why do many people find it so difficult to be forgiving with themselves and what impact does this approach have on our self-image? 

"Self-compassion" is important to grow within ourselves and it is better for our well-being. Especially in a society were performance and perfection is one of the most important things, the pressure is high to be successful and to get better every time. This has a big influence on our self-esteem. Social media amplifies this effect, because they mostly show the idealized version of lifes of different people and this promotes constant comparison. Self-compassion can be an important influence here, helping us to accept ourselves as we are with all our strengths and weaknesses.

A empathetic approach to yourself has a direct impact on your identity. Those who accept themselves develop a more stable and positive self-image. Instead of seeing mistakes as personal failures, you learn to accept them as part of life and grow from them. This not only strengthens inner strength, but also takes away the fear of failure. People who treat themselves with empath are often more motivated and patient because they are not frustrated by every setback. However those who support themselves are better able to overcome challenges and achieve more in the end.

There are a few simple strategies for including self-compassion in our everyday life. One of them is to treat yourself as you would treat a good friend. If you notice that you are criticising yourself emotionally you can ask yourself: ‘What would I say to a friend in this situation?’ We are often much stricter with ourselves than with others. Being aware of your thoughts and feelings without direct judgement can also help you to treat yourself with more patience and understanding. Positive self-talk, recognising that mistakes are human and practising a positive inner self-talk are other ways to develop a healthier self-image in the future. For example, by saying to yourself every morning in front of the mirror ‘You are enough just as you are’.

In the end, self-compassion is more than just a trend. It is an important skill that helps us to stay mentally healthy and build a stable identity. By learning to treat ourselves with more kindness and patience, we not only improve our well-being, but also our inner strength. The most important question everyone should ask themselves is: How do I talk to myself in difficult moments? Like a good friend or like my own critic?