Do you react intensely to criticism? Here's how its connected to trauma
Published on Jul 17, 2024 02:57 PM IST
- From opening up past trauma to invalidating our efforts, here’s how criticism can make us feel unworthy.
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Published on Jul 17, 2024 02:57 PM IST
Often the way we react to criticism is connected to a past trauma. When we fixate on one feedback or criticism and base our entire life’s decisions on it, it can be unhealthy for our own mental and emotional health. “Criticism can have its roots in trauma. It's also highly biologically rooted in our DNA - if you were criticised in the caveman days, you'd run the risk of being ostracised from the tribe which would literally threaten your survival. So, it makes sense to be sensitive to criticism,” wrote Therapist Rebekah Ballagh.(Unsplash)
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Published on Jul 17, 2024 02:57 PM IST
When we carry the baggage of past traumas where we felt unworthy and a failure, criticism can trigger the trauma and make us feel that we are not good enough. (Unsplash)
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Published on Jul 17, 2024 02:57 PM IST
Criticism can be interpreted by the brain as a threat – thereby activating the fight or flight response. This further leads to extreme emotions such as shame, guilt and anxiety. (Unsplash)
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Published on Jul 17, 2024 02:57 PM IST
Past wounds can be opened by present-day criticism. Feedback or criticism can make us feel invalidated and disrespected. (Unsplash)
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Published on Jul 17, 2024 02:57 PM IST
But with mindful techniques, we can heal from the way we accept criticism. We should put our hand on the chest and try to soothe the nervous system and make it feel safe. (Unsplash)
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Published on Jul 17, 2024 02:57 PM IST