"I was tired of hearing my harshest critic, the little voice in my head, so I became more kind to myself." -Member of myHSteam

You may judge yourself and others every day without realizing it. Like many members of myHSteam living with hidradenitis suppurativa, you may judge yourself when you look in the mirror, when you're too embarrassed to go out, or when you falter with an everyday task. The problem is when you let these internal judgments shape belief in yourself.

Here are recent conversations from members on myHSteam:

"I'm so tired of the constant pain, as soon as one cyst goes away another one shows up. I currently have 6 on my inner thigh and lower back."

"I hate HS! I never thought I could be so tired from being in pain."

"It drives me crazy that doctors don’t know a whole lot about this and blame a lot of it on weight (due to skin rubbing together, which, hello, there’s some skin that’s ALWAYS going to rub together, like arms and armpits)."

Experts in mindfulness and self-care recommend pausing a moment when you find you're judging yourself. Be aware of these judgments. Ask yourself where this is coming from. Use the moment to be gentle and compassionate with yourself.

Do you recall a time when you were particularly harsh or critical of yourself? What are you doing to show yourself more kindness in those moments? Share that moment in the comments below or directly on myHSteam.