Compassion starts with the self

And while these types of things may be helpful, the simple act of self-compassion might be what makes the biggest difference.

“Self-compassion is the awareness and understanding of self,” said Tatiana Latilla, Clinical Psychologist Consultant Liaison and Emergency Psychiatry at The Alfred.

“It’s acknowledging that we deserve the same, no better or less, than every other person in the world.”

For healthcare workers, the challenge is even greater, as the demands of clinical and emotional care can take their toll.

“There’s always someone else to care for, so it’s important you care for yourself first,” Tatiana said.

“If you feel taken care of yourself, you’re more able to take care of others.”

In the lead-up to RUOK Day this week, Tatiana shared some practical tips for self-compassion with Hayley Burridge, Alfred Melanoma and Skin Cancer Clinical Nurse.

“I think it’s important we encourage each other to make space for self-compassion and self-care,” Hayley said.

“We spend our days caring for others, it’s important we fill up own cup so we can continue that work."

Tatiana’s top self-compassion strategies:

1. Self-talk counts
   Catch yourself if you have a negative thought and instead reframe the self-talk kindly. For example, replace statements like: “I’ve made a huge mistake” with “I’m doing my best.”
2. Healthcare-free zone
   Make an effort to spend time with people or things that are not connected to work. “Catching up with friends who don’t work in the same industry can help create a meaningful buffer between home-life and work."
3. Have fun
   Wake up every day and say good morning to yourself – out loud. “It might feel silly, but saying good morning to yourself in a chipper voice is a way of being kind to yourself, as you would a friend. At the very least, it will make you smile!”