Self blame

[Vjeko]

I have found that self blame, self judging and being hard on myself has a big role in becoming anxious and depressed. I don't notice it on time. Do you have same experiences?

[Sober2007]

Yes for sure. Right now I'm reading about what causes us to get stuck in thought patterns of rumination and worry (which can include beating up on self) and how to use mindfulness techniques to quiet that down. I don't have a lot of experience with it yet, but I'm willing to try.

[Vjeko in reply to Sober2007]

I have same interest lately too. I am trying simple mindfulness meditation on breath in the morning and evening. All the idea is to try to watch thoughts as they arise, and not to get caught up in the story which is usually negative im my case. I noticed that negative ruminatoon starts early in the morning, even before i am fully awake.

Wish you good luck with it.

[Sober2007 in reply to Vjeko]

Thank you, you too

[Hidden]

I believe the majority of the audience on this site do that along with everything else that we are dealing with. All we can do is not be hard on ourselves. We have a mental illness, we didn't ask for it or want it. All we can do is our best and not beat ourselves up for it.

[Essentiallyfree]

Absolutely. I spent years, half of my life-literally, casting so much hate towards myself, judging my past mistakes and my current self beyond anything I'd even judge another for. And it totally leads to a deeper depression and a spiraling anxiety. Honestly, it wasn't until 1.5yrs ago when I started therapy that I'm now able to recognize my triggers/habits that start the negative self talk which leads to depression/anxiety. So definitely becoming aware of your triggers can help stop these negative emotions in their track. learning to retrain our brains in a more positive direction and speak truth is what has saved me. I hope this gives you a little encouragement... and know you aren't alone!

[Vjeko]

Thanks, it is great to hear you got out of it with practice and therapy. I hope I will improve my skills about that. Recognizing and being aware. Self blame and self critism is like a normal stuff when we are depressed or anxious, everybody feels it. But for some people these are the very causes in the first place that lead to illness. Like you and me. For me it goes from childhood onward, blaming and so on.

Hope you stay well and get even better

Vjeko

[RaisingArrowsMama]

That such a tough cycle to get out of and a painful one to try to heal on your own. Please consider seeking counseling and get some help on learning how to recognize your triggers and how to avoid going down the cycle that gets you so down and in a bad place. One thing I always recommend is start a Thankful Journal. Get yourself a nice journal if you'd like, or whatever you feel comfortable with, and begin focusing on and writing 3 things you are thankful for, it can be about yourself, of anything around you. Also, if you don't already, try prayer, anytime you find yourself in that place, or even starting your day with prayer. Prayer is powerful, there is a God who made you and loves you the way you are, after all He made you. Pray and ask for help in finding healing and that you would be able to focus on the positives rather than all the negatives around you. Praying for you!