Self-sabotage is a common symptom of depression and anxiety, and it can be a difficult cycle to break. People struggling with mental health issues may find themselves engaging in behaviors that prevent them from achieving their goals, such as self-medication, comfort eating, or forms of self-harm. It's important to recognize that self-sabotage is not an inherent part of your character, and it is possible to replace these behaviors with personal advancement. Founded in 1979, the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) is an international non-profit organization dedicated to the prevention, treatment, and cure of anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, and co-occurring disorders.
They strive to align research, practice, and education in order to help those suffering from mental health issues. Self-sabotage can manifest itself in many ways. Postponement, fear of failure or anxiety about uncertainty can trap you in your comfort zone and prevent you from moving forward despite a desire to do so. This can lead to unhappiness at work that negatively affects mental health and well-being.
It can also lead someone to change jobs frequently. Borderline personality disorder (BPD) can also cause a wide range of reactions that can be considered self-destructive or self-sabotaging. BPD influences thoughts, emotions, behavior, and communication, adding a degree of volatility and unpredictability to daily life that can be unsettling for those suffering from BPD and their loved ones. Every time you discover a trigger for self-sabotaging behavior, try to produce one or two productive reactions to replace it.
It's important to recognize that self-sabotage is not an inherent part of your character, nor does it define who you are or erase your strengths and talents; therefore, it is possible to replace self-sabotage with personal advancement. In essence, self-sabotage involves any attitude or behavior that doesn't match your values and interferes with your ability to achieve your life goals. These negative experiences can cause fear of abandonment and rejection, as well as a diminished sense of security and protection that contributes to self-sabotage behaviors. Self-sabotaging your career involves actions that prevent you from achieving your professional goals.
Whatever your form of self-sabotage, you can overcome behaviors that prevent you from achieving your goals in life. Self-sabotage becomes especially problematic when behavior becomes a habit done so automatically that you don't even fully realize that you're doing it or that it's directly leading to negative consequences. It's important to recognize that self-sabotage is not an inherent part of your character; therefore, it is possible to replace these behaviors with personal advancement. With the right support system in place, it is possible to break the cycle of self-sabotage and live a life you truly value.
