Self-sabotage is a behavior that can have a devastating impact on a person's life. It is characterized by actions that create problems and interfere with long-term goals. Common examples of self-sabotage include procrastination, self-medication with drugs or alcohol, comfort eating, and forms of self-harm such as cutting. Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a mental illness that is now universally recognized by mental health professionals as a debilitating disease.
It can cause a wide range of reactions that can be considered self-destructive or self-sabotaging. People with BPD may feel like they don't deserve anything good in their lives, and when things go well, their anxiety increases because they fear that it will all fall apart at any moment. A thought disorder, also known as disorganized thinking, affects the way a person can express their thoughts. In one study, statistical correlations were found between a greater number of endorsements in the measure of medical self-sabotage and each of the three measures of BPD.
This suggests that medical self-sabotage is a behavioral characteristic of those suffering from BPD, and may be more prevalent in psychiatric populations than in primary care populations. Joseph defines self-sabotage as doing certain things that were adaptive in a context but are no longer necessary. This destructive behavior can strip people of their motivation and make them feel anxious. It can lead to chronic struggles with food, alcohol, drugs, gambling, and self-harm.
Mental health is an important topic that needs to be discussed more openly. Self-sabotage can have serious consequences for those who suffer from it, and it is important to seek help if you are struggling with this behavior. Mental health professionals can help you identify the underlying causes of your self-sabotage and develop strategies to help you overcome it.
