15/03/2026
Trauma survivors are often left with a very negative self-perception. The feeling of inadequacy and that there is something wrong with you, no matter the evidence to the contrary.
As a result of trauma you might feel different, broken and “less than” the people around you. Subconsciously you focus all your energy on trying to prove to others that you are worthy and good enough.
Yet, the crippling feeling of self-doubt and a harsh inner critic (negative self-talk) drives you into having high and unrealistic expectations towards yourself and (sometimes) others- often accompanied with rigidity.
Here are signs you are struggling with (childhood) trauma:
- Being highly critical of yourself and other people
- Experiencing anger and shame when you think you are not living up to internal ideals
- Working too much to prove yourself and your self-worth
- Never feeling good enough aka imposter syndrome
- Continuously engaging in negative self-talk
- Disordered eating
- Anxiety
- Mood issues (depression)
- Being very controlling in personal and professional relationships
- Becoming obsessed with rules, to-do lists, or the reverse, becoming profoundly apathetic
Perfectionism is a learned behavior that often stems from childhood (trauma). If you grew up with achievement driven, goal oriented parents who cared a lot about what other people think (external validation) and/or excessively praised you for your achievements ; you learned that love and your self-worth are determined by the work end effort you put into things, people and projects.
Due to the lack of self-worth people with trauma also stay in toxic and invalidating relationships much longer due to being familiar with having to work for their love and worthiness. Hoping they would finally be seen.
An important part of healing ❤️🩹 is overcoming your negative self believe and learning to love yourself. You are worthy and lovable for who you are NOT what you do.
Comment HEAL to start your Healing journey -
