The Cambridge dictionary defines insecurity as “a feeling of lacking confidence and not being sure of your abilities or of whether people like you.”
Insecurity is characterized by a sense of inferiority (not being competent enough) and anxiety. Insecurity; according to the American Psychological Association, is complex. It makes you worry about your ambitions, interactions, and capacity to manage difficult situations.
Insecurity affects everyone at some point in their lives. It can manifest itself in any aspect of life and be caused by several factors. It might result from a traumatic incident, experience patterns, social conditioning (learning rules by seeing others), or local contexts like school, job, or home.
The symptoms of insecurity are as varied as the condition itself. Some types of insecurity are apparent, while others are more difficult to detect. People who hide their anxieties do so to avoid being judged, yet this reinforces the uneasiness.
Low confidence and low self-esteem are common indications of insecurity. Insecurities are a tough topic to explore. Learning more about the things that cause you the greatest sense of anxiety, worry, fear, or uncertainty about yourself feels a lot like wading into dark, mysterious waters.
Having a poor grasp on your insecurities can lead to some uncomfortable problems. Besides making you feel worried or anxious, insecurities can also cause people to experience increased self-doubt, poor relationships with others, and negative self-talk.
To begin overcoming insecurities, one must learn to properly identify them. Although some symptoms are persistent, others often fluctuate and without notice, but there are some general patterns to watch for, and they include:
Low Self-Esteem
Low self-esteem or a poor self-image are signs of insecurity, especially when the image contradicts external perception. Low self-esteem refers to a negative attitude toward oneself or one’s skills. According to research, your self-esteem influences how happy you and your spouse are in your relationship. It can lead to a slew of additional issues, particularly in terms of mental health. If your self-esteem is low, see a doctor.
Evaluate How You Talk to Yourself
Do you pay heed to the frequent communication happening in your head? Self-talk may be constructive and beneficial to your well-being, or it can be damaging and harmful. Focusing on your self-identified bad traits will keep you in a state of insecurity. No one benefits from harsh self-criticism.
Evaluate Your Social Life
Certain social situations cause people to feel anxious and insecure. (Cognitive Factors that Maintain Social Anxiety Disorder: a Comprehensive Model and its Treatment Implications, Stefan G. Hofmann). Perhaps you find it difficult to mix at parties, speak in front of people, or go down the school’s main hall. People might be hesitant when they don’t feel secure or well-versed in a skill. The good news is that you can learn to recognize and address these problems.
Ask Loved Ones for Feedback
There are instances when it is beneficial to seek the advice of others. Because you may not always be aware of acting, obtaining feedback from trustworthy friends or family might be helpful. They could notice how quiet you become around particular individuals or how you freeze and shut down in only certain circumstances.
Inquire with that individual if they see any insecurities in you. Make it clear that you want them to be honest. When you ask others for their opinions on you as a person, you may feel exposed, but you aim to learn more about yourself to overcome your anxieties.
Monitor How You Respond to Issues
You may find that your responses are heightened, and you feel protective during times of turmoil. You can also feel ashamed and humiliated if you cower. Your behaviors may vary depending on the scenario or whether or not specific people are present. Conflict tends to bring out the worst in people. (Using Self-Monitoring Strategies to Address Behavior and Academic Issues, Rachel L. Loftin et al.,).
Consider some of your most significant disputes. Try to figure out what prompted your reaction. It’s possible that your answer looked out of context to what was stated. In most cases, the underlying sentiments that were provoked might be linked to insecurity.
According to WebMD, Insecurity of any kind can contribute to a decline in mental health. Insecurity frequently results in depressive or anxious behavior or thinking, especially when that insecurity creates (or is supported by) erroneous ideas and cognitive patterns.
