Negative Self Worth
Negative Self-Worth
A negative sense of self-worth is often fueled by the belief “I am not worthy of love”. It is characterized by an inordinate amount of shame. Hence, the individual believes that there is something about them that will be rejected. Consequently, this negative belief prevents a person from being their authentic self. Instead, they live their life as who they are “supposed to be.” Hence, the individual feels unseen and then life-giving connection becomes difficult.
Many things contribute to this negative belief in self. Often there is a history of experiencing heartbreak, being excluded and feeling disconnected. Other contributing factors include physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, emotional or physical neglect, bullying and teasing. Additional factors that can impact self-worth are a success driven environment, and divorce, death, or other experiences leading to a sense of abandonment.
How Can One Develop a Better Self-Worth?
We see ourselves based on our interpretation of the past. Individuals with a negative self belief are unable to register contradicting evidence. Due to this, they may be cognitively aware of what is true, but on an emotional level are overpowered by the negative belief.
People often avoid facing emotional pain because it feels overwhelming. Therefore, an approach is needed to fully face the truth without being overwhelmed. Techniques such as EMDR, Hypnotic Regression, and EFT are often very effective in working with this issue.
A willingness to be vulnerable is key to growth. People that feel worthy work at accepting their imperfections develop courage to tell their story. They embrace their pain fully without a need to dull it. They work at letting go of who they are supposed to be and become comfortable with being authentic.
To learn more click on the Mayo Clinic website. Self-esteem: Take steps to feel better about yourself – Mayo Clinic
Everyone has his own specific vocation or mission in life… Therein he cannot be replaced, nor can his life be repeated. Thus, everyone’s task is as unique as is his specific opportunity to implement it.
Depression and Bipolar
Depression is characterized by persistent sadness and a sense of feeling worthless, hopeless, and helpless. In the words of Elizabeth Wurtzel “A human being can survive almost anything, as long as she sees the end in sight. But depression is so insidious… it’s impossible to see the end.”
Anxiety
In simple terms, anxiety is a tendency to lean into the future. It is categorized by worry and/or fear. It robs us of the experience of enjoying the present. Although some may have a more anxious constitution, anxiety often has its roots in the past. It makes sense.
Trauma and PTSD
When a person’s reaction to a situation is more intense than warranted, it is possible that they are reacting to a past traumatic experience. Trauma therapy makes it possible to break the connection so one may respond to these triggering events rather than react.