Are you constantly criticizing yourself, comparing yourself to some ideal, judging your actions, looks….everything about yourself? Do these types of thoughts permeate in your thinking?
“I’m not a good _____.”
“I’m not enough.”
“I’m worthless.”
“I’m a failure.”
Perhaps you’ve become so angry with yourself that you’ve wanted to hurt yourself. Perhaps you’re always doubting yourself, your abilities, your adequacy.
Self-criticism – that inner critic—usually shows up when people are struggling and stuck. This often leads to feelings of depression, anxiety, and shame.
Research shows in Western samples, self-criticism and shame is correlated with poorer functioning: increased risky and harmful behaviors (e.g., substance use, self-injury), PTSD symptoms, and suicidal thinking.
Combating that inner critic and reducing shame, then, can help to improve your symptoms and daily life.