This is self-work, and I'm Dr. Margaret Rutherford.

At self-work, we discuss psychological and emotional issues and what you can do about them,

whether that's learning self-acceptance, taking action, or seeking therapy or treatment.

Eight years ago, I extended the walls of my practice to reach those of you who might already be

knowledgeable about middle health treatment, but also to those of you who might say you'd never

darken the door of a therapist. And yet, you are here. I'll answer your questions while I invite

you to take a few minutes for

your own self-work. What if any role or function, that constant self-criticism, or maybe it

feels like self-doubt, is playing for you. Maybe it's the way you motivate yourself to do better,

but that you screaming at yourself rather than believing

in yourself. Maybe it's the way you stay humble or show humility, but that's believing

that arrogance is right around the corner if you simply acknowledge your talents and strengths.

Welcome to this week's edition of Self-Work. Since I've been studying that when perfectionism

is present, it changes how depression can

look. I've written a lot about shame and how the voices of shame and sometimes guilt can be your

constant companion. It's that consistent voice in your head that's very self-critical. But its damage,

albeit invisible, is very real. The constant hammering criticism,

whether it's your voice you hear or someone else as apparent, a coach, and instructor. It can

block out weaker, more affirming voices. This mental habit may have been so pervasive for you

that you believe it's quite normal to hear constant criticism. You might think, oh,

doesn't everyone hear that voice, the one that's always finding fault? It says things like,

why did you say that? I bet you sounded stupid. Or everyone's going to figure out you don't know what

...