Negative Self-Talk: The Mental Habit That’s Quietly Wrecking You

The kind of self-harm we rarely talk about — and why it matters more than you think.

Most of us think we’d know if we were self-harming.

We picture the obvious stuff: drinking too much, skipping meals, pushing our bodies to breaking point.

But what about the invisible stuff? The harm that doesn’t leave bruises — because it’s happening inside your own head?

The most brutal damage doesn’t shout.
It whispers.
In a voice that sounds exactly like you.

And because it’s so familiar, you barely notice it. You just let it run in the background … all day, every day.

Until your self-worth feels shaky, your motivation’s shot, and you’re low-key exhausted from trying to outrun something you can’t name.

So let me ask you this:

Are you your best ally — or your worst critic?

If it’s the latter … you’re not alone. And you’re not imagining it.

The Type of Self-Harm No One Mentions

Since it’s Mental Health Awareness Week, let’s talk about the form of self-harm I see every day in my practice — the one no one puts on posters:

Self-talk.

Not the kind that cheers you on.

The kind that quietly tears you down:

“Lazy. Useless. Behind.”

That running commentary when you mess up — no grace, no pause.

That pressure to earn your worth by doing more. Always more.

Just because it’s quiet doesn’t mean it’s harmless.
Quite. The. Opposite.

And just because it sounds like you, doesn’t mean it’s true.

That voice? It’s a habit. A learned one.
Which means it can be unlearned, challenged, rewritten — gently.

Want to Start Changing It?

Here’s how you can start becoming more aware of the pattern:

🎧 Catch it.
Tune in to the thoughts you normally ignore.
Not sure how? Backtrack from the feeling.
What did I just say to myself that made me feel this way?

🎧 Replay it.
Say it out loud.
Would you let someone say that to your child? Your best mate?

💬 Would you let it slide?
Is it “tough love”? Or is it actually just cruel?

🖊️ Now rewrite it.
It doesn’t have to be sunshine and rainbows.
Just true. Just human. Just kinder.

Why It Matters

This isn’t about fluffy affirmations.
It’s not “just be nice to yourself” Pinterest advice.

It’s awareness.
Of how deep that inner script runs.
And how much it’s been costing you — your confidence, your energy, your sense of who you are.

These tiny rewrites? They matter.
Not because they’re pretty.
Because they’re powerful.

If your internal soundtrack has been running wild lately … maybe this is your sign to start listening.

And maybe, just maybe, it’s time to give that voice in your mind’s ear something new to say.

Need support shifting your internal voice?

If your self-talk feels more like sabotage than support…
If you’ve tried all the tips but nothing seems to stick…
And if you’re ready to change the way you speak to yourself — for real, and for good…

This is the kind of work I do with my clients.

Together, we don’t just talk about it — we rewire the patterns.
We build a new internal relationship that actually supports you.
And we do it with compassion, curiosity, and tools that work.

If that’s what you’re craving — let’s talk.