How many of us are living with mental illness, substance use disorders, eating disorders or trauma our own worst critics? How many of us beat ourselves up for even the smallest transgression? Likely more than not, no one is meaner to ourselves than we are. The things we say to ourselves often are cruel and uncalled for.

It can be difficult to remember when living with mental illness to give ourselves credit for small victories and celebrate our accomplishments. It can be difficult for those living with mental illness to remember the good things that we do during the day or the good things that happen to us throughout the day because we are stuck in a pattern of negative thinking. It can be difficult for those living with mental illness to remember to be gentle with ourselves. It can be difficult to remember that we are doing the best that we can.

I recently met a woman living with major depressive disorder who confided in me that she is often cruel to herself, calling herself weak for having depression. Living with mental illness does not mean you have a flaw in character, it means you have a flaw in brain chemistry. If you are taking steps to find your way from illness to wellness, give yourself proper credit. You are doing the best you can.

We who live with mental illness are warriors, fighting a daily battle against the demons in our minds. We need to remember to give ourselves props for even the smallest things, like getting out of bed and into the shower and to work. We who fight the good fight must try to remember that we should celebrate those little victories. We who battle depression, anxiety, substance use, eating disorders and trauma need to be gentle with ourselves.

What can you do today to be kind to yourself? Can you take a walk or go for a run? Can you go for a bike ride in a nearby forest preserve? Can you jot down three good things from your day before you climb into bed at night? Can you take some time just for you to take care of yourself? Even just a few minutes a day of treating yourself to a kindness will make you feel better about yourself.