The critical inner voice is a well-integrated pattern of destructive thoughts toward ourselves and others. The nagging “voices,” or thoughts, that make up this internalized “crazy voice” dialogue is at the root of much of our self-destructive behaviour and inability to adapt to stressful situations.
The critical inner voice is not an auditory hallucination; it is experienced as thoughts within our head. This stream of destructive thoughts forms an anti-self that discourages us from acting in our best interest and staying in the present moment.
How Does the Crazy Voice in My Head Affect Me?
The crazy voice in our head is an internal enemy that can affect every aspect of our lives, including:
- Our performance and accomplishments at work and at home.
- Our personal and intimate relationships.
- Our self-esteem, confidence, and sense of self-worth.
These crazy-making thoughts affect us by undermining our positive feelings about who we are and who others are and it tends to develop self-criticism, inwardness, distrust, self-denial, addictions and a disengagement from goal-directed activities.
Here are Some Examples of Common Crazy Voices:
Some common voices include thoughts like “You’re stupid,” “You’re fat,” “You’re not attractive,” or “You’re not like other people.”
Many people have voices about their career, like “You’ll never be successful,” “No one appreciates how hard you work,” or “You are under way too much pressure, you can’t handle this stress.”
Some people experience voices about their relationship, such as “He doesn’t really care about you,” “You’re better off on your own,” or “Don’t be vulnerable, you’ll just get hurt.”
Where do the Crazy Voices in My Head Come From?
These inner voices usually come from early life experiences that are internalized and absorbed as ways we think about ourselves. Often, many of these negative voices come from our parents or primary care takers, as children we pick up on the negative attitudes that parents not only have towards their children but also toward themselves. Our voices can also come from interactions with peers and siblings, or other influential adults.
How is the Crazy Voice in My Head Different than a Conscience?
Many people think if they stop listening to their crazy-making inner voice, they will lose touch with their conscience. However, the critical inner voice is not a trustworthy moral guide like a conscience. Truth be told, the critical inner voice is degrading and punishing and often leads us to make unhealthy decisions. These negative voices tend to increase our feelings of self-hatred without motivating us to change undesirable qualities or act in a constructive manner.
How Can I Conquer Hushing the Crazy Voice in My Head?
In order to take power over this destructive thought process, you must first become conscious of what your inner voice is telling you so you can stop it from ruining your life. To identify this, it is helpful to pay attention to when you suddenly slip into a bad mood or become upset; often these negative shifts in emotion are a result of a critical inner voice. Once you identify the thought process and pinpoint the negative actions it is advocating, you can take control over the crazy voice in your head simply by consciously deciding not to listen (a wee bit like changing the station on your radio!). Instead, you can tune into the thoughts and actions that are in your best interest.
– Moira
Are you ready to make personal and spiritual changes in your life? Consider a one on one private session with me or a reading to free yourself from limitations and open yourself up to greater possibilities… I invite you to open the door.
Find great products and services for your well-being from members of The Wellness Universe!
Moira Hutchison is a Mindset Cultivator, Energy Healer, and Tarot Card Reader. Her specialties range from helping people with broad goals such as accepting change, life planning, and personal balance, to specific goals like gaining motivation and overcoming issues such as procrastination, excess stress and self-sabotage.
