All of us worry about our capabilities from time to time. It’s not uncommon to worry about our abilities, even though it can be distressing.
These feelings of insecurity or insufficiency, such as feeling incapable of reaching a goal or feeling insecure, are either very situational or temporary for most people. Ever felt inferior to others in a group? It is not uncommon to feel insecure, along with a tendency to compare. If these feelings become so overwhelming that they affect your self-esteem, you may have an inferiority complex. These feelings could be due to a physical defect or psychological weakness. Such a person might try to compensate for any perceived weakness by being competitive. They may also act aggressively toward other people in some cases.
Inferiority complex and chronic low self-esteem
The term “inferiority complex” is now more accurately called “chronic low self-esteem.” You feel the following symptoms when you have low self-esteem:
- You are often lacking confidence and underestimate yourself.
- Only the imperfections and flaws are visible
- You are prone to compare yourself with others.
- Self-doubt can negatively lead to self-consciousness because of the standards you set for yourself.
- An over-analytical tendency to analyze compliments and criticisms
- Removing yourself from friends, family, and colleagues, especially when it comes to social situations
- To make up for how you feel about yourself, you may try to make others feel insecure.
- Fear of being judged by others can lead to a refusal to take part in competitive events.
- Accept responsibility for others’ failures and shortcomings
- You can seek validation and attention by pretending that you are sick or depressed or by constantly bringing the topic back to yourself.
There are two types of inferiority complexes.
Primary Inferiority or Secondary Inferiority. These are the types of inferiority complexes.
Primary Inferiority
This kind of inferiority begins in childhood when parents compare their children. Children are sensitive and will often listen to their parents’ opinions. Children who are constantly criticized for being insecure or vulnerable may develop broken insecurities as a result. Self-perceptions of inferiority can lead to a loss in adult social and personal relationships.
Secondary Inferiority
Secondary inferiority manifests when a child’s inadequacies manifest in adulthood. A person with secondary inferiority is prone to low self-esteem. These people often have difficulty socializing. They believe they cannot have healthy adult relationships.
The Effects of Living with an Inferiority Complex
Living your life believing that everyone is better than you can affect your ability and capacity to do everyday tasks. Living with an inferiority complex can be detrimental for the reasons listed below.
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Increased risk of developing dangerous addictions
Living with an inferiority complex can make it challenging to maintain a close relationship with others. Studies have shown that those with an inferiority complex often turn to drugs to escape or manage their problems.
It is not uncommon for people to turn to alcohol for help when they feel insufficient. These coping strategies may provide some comfort, but they can also reduce self-worth. These dependencies can even lead to health problems.
Depression
This can significantly impact your mental health and well-being if you feel weak or unworthy of interacting with family members, friends, and colleagues as equals.
People with this disorder feel depressed when constantly second-guessing and shrinking themselves.
Lower Quality in Social and Work-Life
You can lose your ability to focus on the job if you worry about being incompetent compared to others. Your ability to perform your job well may be affected by feeling inadequate.
If you cannot think beyond your achievements and status, it can lead you to avoid social interaction with loved ones.
Living with an inferiority complex, you are more likely to feel suicidal thoughts and have higher chances of developing a sleeping disorder.
How can I overcome my inferiority complex?
If you are determined to conquer your inferiority complex, it will take patience, time, effort, perseverance, and patience. These are some strategies that you can use to overcome your inferiority complexes.
Meditation and journaling
Journaling has been shown to be effective in managing the symptoms of inferiority complex. It is also a great way to track your emotions and find the root cause and is a great way to start therapy.
You can keep track of your progress by writing down your true feelings and triggers.
Writing down the positive things about yourself can help you internalize more positive thoughts by identifying what causes you to feel negative about yourself.
Low self-esteem can make you anxious. Slow down and find your inner peace. Meditation can be a great way to relax, focus your attention on yourself, and get better.
Positive Talk
It’s time to stop worrying about what others think about you. Be kind to yourself each day, and not compare yourself to anyone. Start each day with positive thinking and encourage yourself.
You can change your perception of yourself by making a habit out of telling yourself how beautiful, valuable, and talented you indeed are.
This can be used as a routine to change the way you think about yourself and increase your confidence in your abilities.
Surround yourself with positive people.
To have healthy self-esteem, surround yourself with positive people. If you surround yourself with people who support and encourage you, mistakes are easy to accept.
conclusion
Many people struggle with insecurity on a daily basis. It doesn’t mean that you have to live with sadness and despair. You can get help if you recognize the symptoms and talk to your family, friends, and mentors.