Shame is an emotion that involves negative self-evaluation—believing that something is wrong with you as a person. You may believe that you haven’t lived up to certain standards and feel unworthy or inadequate as a result. Shame often operates outside of conscious awareness, making it challenging to identify and overcome—but healing and growth are always possible.
What Is Shame? (Plain Language Explanation)
Shame 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 Shame
- Symptoms: The specific ways shame shows up for you
- Triggers: Situations or thoughts that activate or worsen shame
- Evidence-based: Treatments backed by scientific research
- Comorbidity: When shame occurs alongside other conditions
3 Things Most People Don't Know About Shame
- Shame is far more common than most people realize
- Shame is not caused by weakness — it has identifiable biological and psychological causes
- Most people with shame see significant improvement with the right support
Your Next Steps
Learning about shame is just the beginning. If you think you're experiencing shame, speaking with a mental health professional is the most valuable next step.