Behavior is said to be self-sabotaging when it creates problems in daily life and interferes with long-standing goals . The most common self-sabotaging behaviors include procrastination , self- medication with drugs or alcohol , comfort eating, and forms of self-injury such as cutting.
What Is Self-Sabotage? (Plain Language Explanation)
Self-Sabotage refers to a pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that many people experience. While it can be challenging, it's also well-understood and treatable.
Key Terms to Know About Self-Sabotage
- Symptoms: The specific ways self-sabotage shows up for you
- Triggers: Situations or thoughts that activate or worsen self-sabotage
- Evidence-based: Treatments backed by scientific research
- Comorbidity: When self-sabotage occurs alongside other conditions
3 Things Most People Don't Know About Self-Sabotage
- Self-Sabotage is far more common than most people realize
- Self-Sabotage is not caused by weakness — it has identifiable biological and psychological causes
- Most people with self-sabotage see significant improvement with the right support
Your Next Steps
Learning about self-sabotage is just the beginning. If you think you're experiencing self-sabotage, speaking with a mental health professional is the most valuable next step.