Are you currently engaging in poor self-regard/ talk often manifesting in criticism?
Common examples of negative self-talk include:
- I don’t deserve happiness.
- I’m not worthy of feeling good.
- My life is so boring or mediocre compared to theirs.
- No one wants cares about my issues.
- It’s all my fault I can’t seem to find people who are good to me.
People with low self-esteem are more likely to have a low opinion of themselves. Comparison and self judgement cause feelings of inferiority.
People may cope with low self-esteem in different ways. According to the Counseling and Mental Health Center at The University of Texas at Austin, low self-esteem often presents in one of three patterns:
- Imposter Syndrome: A person uses accomplishments or false confidence to mask their insecurities. They fear failure will reveal their true, flawed self. The person may use perfectionism or procrastination to deal with this anxiety.
- Rebellion: A person pretends they don’t care what others think of them. Their feelings of inferiority may manifest as anger or blame. They may act out by defying authority or breaking laws.
- Victimhood: A person believes they are helpless in the face of challenges. They may use self-pity to avoid changing their situation. They often rely on others to save or guide them (https://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/issues/self-esteem).