It is common for every person to evaluate themselves and their actions, identify errors in behavior in specific situations and look for ways to solve them. However, in some cases, self-criticism turns into an obsession, a scourge by which a person mercilessly whips his consciousness, reproaching himself for his committed deeds. Psychologists call this attitude of self-flagellation. What is this feeling, what is the meaning of the word self-flagellation, and how to get rid of it? Look for answers in our article.
Self-flagellation - unhealthy self-criticism
The psychological program of a person who literally “eats” himself for an incorrect behavior, in his opinion, clearly expressing his dislike for himself, is called self-flagellation. At the same time, he understands that he is behaving (in relation to himself) not quite well, but he can do nothing about it. Self-flagellation is an eternal dissatisfaction with oneself, excessive self-criticism in relation to oneself, which manifests itself in a rather sharp condemnation of one’s actions and actions. A person constantly experiences torments of conscience, moral suffering, repenting of their deeds. Such behavior is also called self-eating.
In self-flagellation, a person is too strict about himself, regularly asking himself questions: “Have I done the right thing?”, “Why did I say that?”, “Maybe I behaved wrong?” etc. Blames himself for his every mistake, trying to justify himself in his own eyes. Moreover, he experiences excruciating shame, constant anger for certain words and actions.
How do attacks of self-flagellation occur?
Healthy self-criticism is when a person who has not calculated his strength analyzes this situation in this way:
- I am having difficulty with unfamiliar material;
- I tried hard;
- I underestimated the complexity of the problem;
- I got the wrong idea about this situation, etc.
Such reasoning helps him to improve, change the course of subsequent events, not repeat such mistakes in the future, and adjust his behavior model.
Another thing is when self-criticism becomes a constant, obsessive idea, causing attacks of self-flagellation. These are, for example, the following thoughts:
- I am a loser;
- I am worse than everyone;
- I'm not interested in anyone;
- I will not achieve anything in life;
- I am the worst employee;
- it's all my fault ...
Negative statements often cause a sharp deterioration in well-being, a decline in mood from the suggestion of negatively colored thoughts.
Unfortunately, a huge number of insecure, doubtful people suffering from self-abasement and self-flagellation suffers from this problem. Such an attitude towards life does not lead to anything good. The more they try to achieve something in life, while constantly blaming themselves for the slightest mistakes, the more difficult it is for such people to achieve any results. Ultimately, instead of gaining a sense of satisfaction, they are even more dissatisfied with themselves.
Self-flagellation is the surest path to self-destruction
Self-flagellation is also self-reproach, when even for imperfect actions and deeds a person experiences a feeling of guilt, ascribes to himself someone else's guilt or agrees with a suspicion of their commission. The causes of self-sufficiency are:
- self-doubt;
- inferiority complex ;
- underestimation of their potential and abilities;
- poor adaptation to the external environment;
- fear of reality.
A self-incriminating person can bring himself to "spiritual masochism" - the need to suffer, to experience conflicting feelings, up to the self-destruction of the individual. And he will spend the rest of his life in severe depression and loneliness, which can then result in binges and serious illnesses.
How to overcome attacks of self-flagellation?
Self-flagellation ... how to get rid of this destructive feeling?
First of all, you need to try to set yourself up for positive thoughts, look at the world with different eyes, rejoice at the rising sun, warmth - everything that surrounds you, thus raising your mood. Drive gloomy thoughts, a negative attitude and finally stop blaming yourself for all mortal sins. Try to put up with the fact that ideal people do not exist.
Any person wants to be better, stronger and more successful than he is at the moment. The main thing is not to dwell on this. You can become a creature whose life is filled with anger, self-discontent and devoid of all joy. Remember that self-flagellation prevents you from building happiness, seeing the light, making you wander in the darkness of your consciousness.
Continuous work on oneself is a barrier to self-eating
Change disgusted work and direct all your strength and thoughts to your favorite business. Devote him most of the time, thereby relegating self-flagellation to the background. This is one of the most effective and recommended by psychologists ways to get rid of self-eating. To expel the desire for self-flagellation from the soul and make you love yourself, you need to instill respect for yourself, to make yourself a worthy person to the extent that there will no longer be any reason for self-criticism. Work on yourself, develop, thereby forming the path to success, on which you simply will not have time for introspection.
Self-flagellation will take place when you can love yourself. Stand in front of the mirror, smile and say: “I am the strongest, most beautiful and most successful! I will succeed!" Repeat these words every morning. And, believe me, everything really will start to work out for you. Encourage and praise yourself. And never lose faith. Your happiness and well-being is in your hands.
In order to answer the question: “Self-flagellation - what is it?”, You need to decide what effect it has on your life. If attacks of self-esteem help you become a more successful and collected person - why not torment your mind for good performance? However, if such criticism destroys your life, creating persistent self-doubt - do your best to expel this destructive feeling from your soul, otherwise the consequences may be irreversible.