Self compassion

The study (The Lancet Psychiatry, 2017, DOI: 10.1016/S2215-0366(17)30171-9) shows that social support significantly reduces anxiety and depression symptoms in adolescents by fostering safety and belonging. It highlights that supportive relationships trigger neurochemical processes (e.g., oxytocin) that alleviate stress, emphasizing self-compassion’s role in emotional resilience. In the HARMO method, the thumb (“Heal with heart”) embodies self-compassion through the question “What does love say? What does my heart feel?” and the gesture of placing the thumb on the heart. This practice nurtures a loving connection to oneself, reduces anxiety, and aligns with the study’s findings by promoting emotional safety.