MEZIESBLOG

Watch out for common signs of self-destructive behavior in your relationships and ask yourself if you’re throwing blocks in the way to avoid discomfort.

Self-sabotage is when people do (or don’t do) things that block their success or prevent them from accomplishing their goals. It can happen consciously or unconsciously. Self-sabotaging behaviors can affect our personal and professional success, as well as our mental health.

Check out these questions on self-sabotaging in relationships

• Do depressed people self-sabotage?

Depression is a serious mental illness that can lead to significant impairment in daily life. It has been consistently shown that individuals with depression are more likely to engage in self-destructive behaviors. 

These include substance abuse, harmful sexual relationships, risky and unprotected sex, unsafe driving behavior, and suicide. These behaviors make the lives of depressed individuals worse and increase their risk for greater difficulties in the future.

• Is self-sabotaging a toxic trait?

Self-sabotage refers to any behavior that prevents someone from achieving their objectives in life. 

Although this is not always negative, it can have detrimental effects on a person’s quality of life and even lead to serious health issues like obesity or drug addiction. 

When it comes to self-sabotage being a toxic trait, this simply means that an individual with a tendency to sabotage their own progress runs the risk of harming themselves and others in the long run. 

It is important to note that the majority of people who engage in self-sabotage are not inherently destructive but are simply struggling to deal with personal issues that may lead to self-destructive behaviors.

• Is self-sabotaging a symptom of borderline personality disorder?

Self-sabotaging behaviors are a common symptom of borderline personality disorder (BPD). People with BPD may struggle with impulsive and self-destructive behaviors such as substance abuse, binge eating, risky sexual behavior, and self-harm. 

These behaviors may be a way of coping with intense emotions and a fear of abandonment or rejection. Additionally, people with BPD may also struggle with negative self-talk and have a tendency to undermine their own efforts and achievements. 

While self-sabotaging behavior is not unique to BPD, it is a common and significant feature of the disorder that can impact a person’s relationships, work, and overall well-being.

Takeaway

Remember, if you or your partner has been deeply traumatized, abused, or noticed a decline in health, it’s good to prioritize seeking professional treatment for yourselves individually. Relationship counseling can also be a helpful resource to address any issues that may be affecting your relationship as a result of these challenges.

Whether you are single, dating, or in a new or mature relationship, talking with a professional coach or therapist can help stop you from sabotaging your own happiness.