A friend recently said, “I am my own worst critic. I’m very hard on myself. Truth be told, I really don’t like myself.” My response was, maybe you have a Self-Criticism Addiction Disorder. That’s self-criticism at the addiction level.

What defines an addiction?

1. You quit, but you start over again and again.
2. You find yourself needing increasing amounts.
3. Overuse has a negative impact on yourself and those around you.
4. You continue even though you know it’s risky and damaging.

When you’re a child, figuring out life is hard, and lots of things go wrong. When you’re raised in a young growing family, it’s difficult, and lots of things go wrong. When you’re a teenager always doing the right thing is difficult, and that continues into adulthood–and lots of things go wrong. Getting blamed and blaming yourself is easy.

Here is the language of criticism:

• What were you thinking?
• What’s wrong with you?
• You should have known better!
• When are you going to learn?
• How many times do I have to tell you!

(Summary: You are bad!)

Excessively repeating those statements in childhood, during the teenage years, and long into adulthood, meets the criteria for Self-Criticism Addiction Disorder.

Prayer

Father, thank you for your never ending, unconditional, always present love. Forgive me. I have participated with the dark side. I’ve played their game of self-criticism and condemnation. But not today. If I fail today, I will repeat I am forgiven, loved, and have been made new. Then I will turn to you, Abba, Jesus, and Holy Spirit and ask you to speak truth over me. As of today, only you Father-God may tell me my value and worth. Amen.

Bible

You are chosen, redeemed and loved. See John 15:16, 1 Corinthians 6:20, and John 3:16.

Note: Self-Criticism Addiction Disorder is a made-up term. But, please, no self-criticism today.