This idea of Self-Hatred sounds strange when you think about it.
Who is going to admit, out loud, to another person, that they hate themselves? Some will, but not most. In fact, millions of women secretly do hate themselves.
OK, we may not hate everything about ourselves. But can you honestly say you like more about yourself that you dislike? There was a time when my answer to that question was definitely no.
Self-hate often starts in childhood with negative messages spoken or unspoken by our family of origin. The culture, media and our peers encourage this monster who whispers the negative, critical words we hear over and over in our minds. Guilt and shame top it off till we're overwhelmed with emotions and feelings; the pain becomes so deep it's impossible to express it in words.
Is there no relief? No release?
What we do with this insidious pain will vary.
How will you act out the negativity rolling around in your head?
For some their self-hatred takes on non-direct, often hidden behaviors like extreme risk-taking, substance abuse, eating disorders, gambling, and promiscuity. For others their self-hatred is more direct and visible with self-harm acted out by skin cutting, skin branding, hair pulling or other forms of self-injury.
What can we say to those we know and love who struggle with this increasingly popular practice?
How can we communicate to them that they truly deserve to be loved, not just by other people, but by God and most importantly by themselves?
Let's start by watching these two videos below. I think they have all the answers we need.
God Loves YOU! http://youtu.be/aLHsQF131HQ
God Loves YOU! http://youtu.be/kcpQvqEVTlk
If you are reaching for hope and help, I urge you to contact a licensed Christian counselor in your area for personal assistance in overcoming this problem. If you don't know where to find one, contact a pastor who can help you locate an expert. All the anxiety and problems you are facing can be overcome.