Your fortnightly 1-2-3: Helping you navigate the tension between faith & mental health by looking at a tension point, a talking point and a truth to ponder.

Tension Point

"I’m great at being there for everyone else—but when it comes to me, I feel drained, critical, or just…disconnected. Is it selfish to focus on myself?”

Talking Point

We were created for connection—deep, meaningful relationships that enrich our lives and ground us in love. But there’s one relationship that often gets overlooked: the one you have with you.

Loving others well begins with learning to love yourself well. Not in a self-centred or egotistic way, but in the way you would treat someone you love—with kindness, patience, grace, and care. If you’re going to spend every minute of every day with someone… wouldn’t it be wise to make peace with them?

Being a good friend to yourself starts with:

Knowing yourself – your likes, dislikes, values, and strengths. Personality tools like 16personalities.com can offer helpful insight.
Speaking kindly to yourself – check your self-talk. Would you say that to someone you love?
Enjoying your own company – pursue hobbies, explore joy, make time for what lights you up.
Caring for yourself like you would a friend – rest, nourish, move, recover. You matter too.

This is not indulgence—it’s wisdom. Even Jesus said, “Love your neighbour as yourself.” That command assumes you know how to love you. When you constantly give without receiving—even from yourself—you run dry. But when you nurture a healthy inner life, you give from a place of fullness, not depletion.

Truth to Ponder

The greatest gift you can give those around you is a healthy you. Ask yourself:

Am I treating myself like someone I’m called to love?
Would I want my children or friends to treat themselves the way I treat myself?
Do I need to pause, replenish, and reconnect with who I really am?

At Mercy UK, we believe that wholeness flows from a strong relationship with God, with yourself, and with others. That’s why we created Keys to Freedom —a powerful discipleship resource designed to help you discover how to live in truth, freedom, and healthy connection.

Because when you flourish, everyone around you benefits too.