Self Loathing

Definition:

Self-Loathing - An extreme hatred of one's own self, actions or one's ethnic or demographic background.

Their own worst critic

Self-Loathing, also known as “Autophobia” or “Self-Hatred”, is a thought pattern where individuals believe they are inferior, bad, worthless, unlovable, or incompetent.

Self-Loathing is one of the central characteristics of people who suffer from Avoidant Personality Disorder and is also a common occurrence among other Personality Disorders – particularly Borderline Personality Disorder. It is also sometimes linked to self-harm and suicidal behaviors.

Sometimes this way of thinking is also described in less stern terms as a “lack of self-esteem” or “stinking thinking”.

There are two common categories of Self-Loathing

Hatred of one’s own self, actions and characteristics; and
Rejection of one’s demographic origin - such as ethnic origin, religious orientation, nationality, gender or sexual orientation.

This destructive form of self-perception is not only common in certain Personality Disorders, it is also common among people who grew up in an unsupportive family environment and endured child abuse, neglect, emotional trauma or chronic criticism.

Symptoms of self-loathing include chemical dependency, alcohol and drug abuse, self-harm, self-destructive promiscuity, fits of rage and Dissociation.

The feeling may be intermittent, and it may be suddenly triggered by disappointments, struggles, painful memories or anxiety about the future. These triggers can create an overwhelming flood of feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness and powerlessness which can lead to self-destructive behaviors, emotional withdrawal or aggressive behaviors towards loved ones and family members.

What it Looks Like

• “Nobody loves me”
• “Things will never get any better.”
• “I’m useless. I always screw everything up.”
• “He/she could never really love the real me.”