Feeling worthless can create significant distress and make it difficult to function normally in daily life.
Causes of Worthlessness
Feelings of worthlessness can be sparked by a number of different factors.
Research has shown that these early interpersonal traumas are linked to later feelings of worthlessness.
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Seeing Negative Events as Your Fault
You may attribute negative events to your own actions or characteristics.
Past Criticism
You may have been criticized by others in the past.
Difficulty Handling Stress
You might be having trouble coping with stress.
Both acute andchronic stresscan take a toll on a person’s perceptions of themselves.
You might feel worthless after experience a serious setback such as financial problems, divorce, or job loss.
Sign of a Mental Health Condition
You might have a mental health condition.
Here are some ideas that can help.
Speak Kindly to Yourself
People who feel worthless often engage innegative thinkingand self-talk.
It may be challenging at first, but focus on treating yourself with kindness.
This is one way to help combat the negativeruminationthat might be fueling feelings of inadequacy.
Click below to listen now.
Refocusing your thoughts in this way can help protect you from the negative effects of comparison and envy.
Helping others can also help you feel a greater sense of connection and purpose.
Your primary care provider may ask you about your feelings and other symptoms you have been experiencing.
They may also ask you to fill out a questionnaire to screen for symptoms of depression or anxiety.
You might also want to consider trying online therapy.
Research suggests that online therapy can be as effective as traditional face-to-face treatment.
Online therapy presents an accessible and often affordable way of getting help for mental health concerns.
In many cases, options include online chat, video conferencing, email, and phone options.
Find out which option is the best for you.
Fortunately, there are steps it’s possible for you to take that may help you feel better.
Professional help is also available, including face-to-facepsychotherapy, medications, or a combination of the two.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Harrison P, Lawrence AJ, Wang S, et al.The psychopathology of worthlessness in depression.Front Psychiatry.
2017 Sep 22;17 (1):736].BMC Public Health.
2017;18(1):8. doi:10.1186/s12889-017-4561-8
