Do you react intensely to criticism? Here's how its connected to trauma
From opening up past trauma to invalidating our efforts, here’s how criticism can make us feel unworthy.
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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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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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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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Past wounds can be opened by present-day criticism. Feedback or criticism can make us feel invalidated and disrespected. (Unsplash)
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