by Do you find yourself blaming and criticizing yourself every time something goes wrong? It can be an act of self-loathing or self-hatred. Self-hatred is a painful and complex emotion that many people experience at some point in their lives. It’s a feeling that can stem from past experiences, societal pressures, or unrealistic expectations. While it’s completely normal to have moments of self-doubt, prolonged self-loathing can be detrimental to your mental and emotional well-being.
Health Shots spoke to Dr Jyoti Kapoor, Founder-Director and Principal Psychiatrist, Manasthali, Delhi-NCR, to know the best ways to stop self-hatred or self-loathing.
6 tips for dealing with self-hatred
1. Self-recognition
Self-awareness is essential to dealing with self-hatred. Many people try to push away or deny their self-loathing, which only exacerbates the problem. Instead, you should try to acknowledge your feelings of self-hatred without judgment and understand that it’s okay to feel this way sometimes, but that it will change one day. By doing so, you can begin the process of healing and transformation.
2. Challenge negative thoughts
Self-hatred is often fueled by negative self-talk and self-criticism. To deal with self-hatred, you need to combat these negative thoughts. When you find yourself thinking harshly about yourself, stop and ask yourself if these thoughts are based in reality or if they are simply distorted perceptions. Dr. Kapoor says: “Try to challenge them with more rational and compassionate thoughts.
3. Seek professional support
Sometimes self-hatred can be deep-rooted and require help from a mental health expert, which is completely okay. Therapy or counseling can provide valuable tools and information to help you navigate and heal from self-hatred. Dr. Kapoor says: “It provides a safe, non-judgmental environment where you can explore the root causes of your self-hatred and develop healthier coping strategies. » So, before it affects you, control it with the help of a professional.
Read also : 6 Effective Ways to Overcome Self-Criticism, Because You’re Really Worth It!
4. Practice self-compassion
Self-compassion involves treating yourself with kindness. Instead of being overly critical, practice self-compassion by speaking to yourself in a gentle, supportive way. Remember that it’s okay to make mistakes and that you deserve love and acceptance. Dr. Kapoor says: “Self-compassion helps break the cycle of self-hatred and promotes a more positive self-image. »
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5. Set realistic expectations
A common source of self-hatred is setting unrealistic expectations for yourself. When you constantly demand perfection or hold yourself to incredibly high standards, it’s easy to feel like a failure when you don’t meet those expectations. It is therefore crucial to set realistic and achievable goals. By setting achievable goals and celebrating small successes, you can gradually build your self-esteem and reduce self-hatred.
6. Love yourself
Ultimately, the goal of facing self-hatred is to move toward self-love. Try engaging in self-care practices that support your physical and emotional well-being. This could include exercise, meditation, hobbies you’re passionate about, or just relaxing time. Try to set achievable goals, and making small positive changes in your life can also boost your self-esteem and self-worth.
Read also : Do you love to hate your boss? 6 Ways to Deal with a Difficult Boss at Work
Moving from self-hatred to self-acceptance and self-love can take time. So don’t lose hope and stay determined to become a better version of yourself!
