Self-sabotage is typically referred to as behavior that creates problems in a person’s daily life and interferes with long-standing goals. Someone could engage in self-sabotaging behaviors for many different reasons. Mental health issues are often complex, with everyone experiencing situations differently.
As you begin to work on your mental health issues or addiction, you will need to understand better why you may be self-sabotaging. You will also need to learn skills and tools to work against those actions. Here are a few tips to get you started on your road to recovery and overall well-being
Discover Patterns
Look for patterns within your behavior. You may notice that you tend to engage in self-sabotage with certain people, in certain situations, or at certain times.
When we can discover patterns within our behaviors, it helps us learn more about why we behave the way we do. The more we can understand what we do, the better we can work through and change or eliminate those behaviors.
Learn Triggers
Learn what your triggers are. What happens right before engaging in self-sabotaging behaviors? Are other people involved? What is the setting?
Knowing your triggers will help you while you work through recovery and maintain your overall well-being. Sometimes you may find you have specific triggers that are best avoided.
Explore the Root
Self-sabotage is something that most often has deeper rooted causes than what is seen on the surface. Work with a mental health professional to better explore your root struggles and what incidents or situations in the past have caused these struggles. This is something that can be challenging.
The root causes of self-sabotaging behaviors can include past trauma. Sometimes it can be hard to see connections from our past and how intensely they can impact our present, and working with a mental health care provider can help us see the connections more clearly.
Reach Out for Support
Surround yourself with supportive people as you work through challenging mental health struggles. Everyone needs support. For some people, their support network could be family members. For others, this could be close friends. Some people will also choose to work through their issues with a mental health professional.
Self-sabotage can become a debilitating problem that can stifle growth and have a negative impact on relationships. Understanding why you are doing what you are doing is an essential first step. Try to discover the root causes and triggers that tend to set off self-sabotaging behavior. Here at The Guest House, we know how hard it can be to change your thought process and behavior. We are here to help and support you as you face your challenges and create goals. Call us today at (855) 483-7800 to learn more about the treatment we offer.