How to Recognize Self-Destructive Behavior

Any behavior that has a negative impact on our body, mind and soul through our own conscious preferences in life is considered self-destructive. This behavior could be in the form of habits like smoking, drinking and drugs or choices we make in jobs, relationships and health. Here are some pointers to recognize self-destructive patterns.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Watch for self-mutilating actions such as cuts, burns and wounds to release tension. This is most common in teenagers who intentionally and repeatedly harm their body. Depression, anxiety and low self-esteem often accompany this behavior in young adults.
2. Observe if you are in a relationship that is abusive either physically or emotionally. Staying in a bad relationship and allowing your partner to take advantage of you and manipulate your decisions leads to loss of self-respect.
3. Recognize your ability to say no when something is beyond your capacity. When you compromise your needs and goals by overworking to satisfy others, you encourage resentment. Depriving your body of proper rest and nutrition and working hard to please others is a clear sign of self-destructive behavior.
4. Supervise your money management to see if you spend money that is beyond your means. Shopping sprees and reckless spending may provide immediate gratification. In the long run, they affect your financial stability and emotional wellbeing.
5. Examine whether you hold others responsible for your life choices and consequences. This behavior leads to helplessness, causing anger. It creates self-doubt, restricting you from making changes in your life.
6. Monitor your eating habits to understand if you overeat to suppress negative emotions.