Healing: A Journey of Self-Compassion and Patience

Mental health is not a straight line. Healing, especially in the realm of mental health, isn’t something that happens overnight. It’s more like an evolving journey, with twists and turns, ups and downs. And sometimes, it feels like you’ve been walking the same path for what feels like forever, wondering if there’s an end in sight. But here’s the thing: healing unfolds at its own pace, and there’s no rush.

As Brené Brown wisely said, “Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we’ll ever do.” Your journey, no matter how slow or difficult it feels, is valid.

Giving Yourself Permission to Heal

First things first, healing begins with the radical decision to give yourself permission to heal. It sounds simple, but in a world that celebrates productivity and demands that we “get over” things quickly, we sometimes forget that we are allowed to pause. We’re allowed to take a break. We’re allowed to seek help.

“Asking for help is never a sign of weakness. It’s one of the bravest things we can do. And it can save your life,” says Glenn Close, an advocate for mental health awareness. It takes courage to say, “I’m not okay,” and even more courage to say, “I need help.” But it’s in that moment of vulnerability where the healing process truly begins. Asking for support isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a brave stride towards your well-being.

Sometimes, we expect ourselves to be “strong,” but strength isn’t about pushing through pain alone. Real strength is knowing when to ask for help, when to lean on others, and when to be gentle with ourselves. Healing isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress.

You Are Not Alone

One of the most important things to remember on this journey is that you are not alone. I know it can feel isolating, like no one else understands what you’re going through, but trust me—there are countless others who have walked this path before you and others walking alongside you right now. “We are all broken, that’s how the light gets in,” as Leonard Cohen so poetically expressed in his song “Anthem.”

Reaching out to others—whether it’s a friend, a therapist, or a support group—can help ease the burden. Talking about what you’re going through, getting validation that your feelings are real and important, and knowing that someone is there to listen can make such a difference. Healing is never meant to be a solo journey.

There’s immense strength in community, in realizing that others see your pain, and they stand with you in it. They don’t have to “fix” it. They’re there to simply say, “I see you.” Sometimes, that’s enough to start feeling like you can breathe again.

Patience Is Your Friend

As you move through your healing journey, it’s so important to remember that patience is key. Healing doesn’t follow a timeline. You may feel great one day and then suddenly, you’re knocked off your feet by emotions you thought you’d already worked through. That’s okay. Setbacks are part of the process, not a failure.

In fact, those moments when it feels like you’re going backward can actually be moments of profound growth. You’re processing. You’re learning. You’re healing—just in a way that isn’t linear.

To echo the words of Elizabeth Gilbert, “Ruin is a gift. Ruin is the road to transformation.” Imagine healing as peeling an onion. Each layer you peel away reveals something new underneath. And sometimes, tears come with that. But as you work through those layers, you get closer to the core. Healing is a process of shedding, of letting go, of unlearning old patterns and beliefs that no longer serve you. Each step forward, no matter how small, is progress.

So, be patient with yourself. Healing is not a race, and there is no finish line. There is only you, doing your best every day to take care of your mental health, and that in itself is something to celebrate.

Self-Compassion: A Vital Part of the Journey

As you navigate this journey, one of the most important tools you can carry with you is self-compassion. It’s easy to be hard on ourselves, to think we should be “better” or “stronger” by now. We compare ourselves to others, wondering why we can’t seem to move past our struggles the way someone else might have, but that’s such a damaging mindset.

Your journey is yours alone. “You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection,” said the Buddha. Self-compassion means recognizing that it’s okay to have bad days. It’s okay to need extra support. It’s okay to not have everything figured out. You wouldn’t berate a friend for feeling low, so why do it to yourself?

Instead, offer yourself the same kindness and grace you’d offer to someone you love. Speak to yourself with gentleness, especially on those tough days when it feels like everything is falling apart. Healing isn’t about being “perfect” or “fixed”—it’s about learning to live with yourself, flaws and all, with love and acceptance.

Reaching Out for Help Is a Strength

Let’s talk about therapy for a moment. If you’re thinking about seeking professional help, do it. Therapy can be a game-changer. As psychotherapist Lori Gottlieb shares, “We need to give ourselves permission to be human. The stories we tell ourselves can have a tremendous impact on our mental health.” A therapist offers you a safe, judgment-free space to talk through your feelings, learn coping strategies, and gain a deeper understanding of what’s going on inside your mind. It’s not about having someone “solve” your problems, but about empowering you to understand yourself better, to work through trauma, and to take steps toward a healthier, more balanced life.

Seeking support is never a sign of weakness. It’s a testament to your strength, your willingness to do what it takes to take care of your mental health. And whether that support comes in the form of therapy, medication, or simply leaning on a trusted friend, it’s all part of the process. You deserve to feel supported, and you deserve to heal.

Keep Going, You’re Worth It

Healing is hard. It’s messy, it’s frustrating, and sometimes it feels like it’s never going to end. But every step you take, no matter how small, is progress. And you are so much stronger than you give yourself credit for.

“The only journey is the journey within,” Rainer Maria Rilke once wrote, and that couldn’t be truer when it comes to healing. You’re not alone on this journey, and it’s okay to ask for help along the way. Healing takes time, patience, and a whole lot of self-compassion. But you will get there, one step at a time.

So, take a deep breath. Be gentle with yourself. Keep going. You are worth it.

Here’s another enlightening article regarding self care.