Daily Criticism and its effects

 Daily Criticism and its Effects

Daily criticism—especially when it’s harsh, personal, or dismissive—can slowly wear a person down, even if they appear strong on the outside.

Here's how it typically affects someone over time:

1. Erosion of self-esteem

When a person is criticised every day, the mind starts accepting those messages as truth.

They may begin to think:

i. “Maybe I’m not good enough.”

ii. “Something is wrong with me.”

This is especially damaging when the criticism comes from someone important (family, partner, superior).

2. Chronic stress and anxiety

Constant criticism keeps the nervous system in a fight-or-flight mode.

i. The person becomes tense, alert, defensive

ii. Sleep may be disturbed

iii. Headaches, acidity, BP issues, fatigue can appear

iv. The body starts reacting as if it’s under continuous threat.

3. Loss of confidence and initiative

Over time, the person may:

i. Stop expressing opinions

ii. Avoid taking decisions

iii. Fear making mistakes

iv. They may think, “Why try, I’ll be criticised anyway.”

4. Emotional numbness or withdrawal

Some people cope by shutting down emotionally.

i. They talk less

ii. Avoid social interactions

iii. Become quiet, detached, or indifferent

iv. This is not strength—it’s a protective response.

5. Depression and hopelessness

Daily negative input can lead to:

i. Low mood

ii. Loss of interest in things they once enjoyed

iii. Feelings of helplessness or worthlessness

iv. In severe cases, it can push a person towards clinical depression.

6. Distorted self-image

Even capable, intelligent people may start doubting their abilities. They may apologise excessively, over-explain, or constantly seek validation.

7. Anger turned inward or outward

Some turn anger inward → self-blame, guilt

Others explode outward → irritability, sudden outbursts

Both are signs of emotional overload.

One very important point:

Daily criticism is a Silent Psychological Stressor, we often miss in patients.

Constructive feedback helps growth; daily criticism destroys dignity.

No human being thrives under constant negativity,

👉 A person can protect themselves mentally:

As we have understood from the previous slides' text, No human being can thrive under constant negativity.

Let's elaborate a practical, usable way - something can apply personally and professionally

1. Mentally separate “feedback” from “attack”

Tell yourself clearly:

“This is not information, this is emotional dumping.”

Not all criticism deserves entry into the mind.

A useful filter:

Specific + solution-oriented → consider it

Repeated, vague, personal → reject it

This mental boundary itself reduces damage.

2. Don’t internalise someone else’s frustration

Chronic critics are often:

i. Insecure

ii. Power-driven

iii. Emotionally unhappy

iii. Projecting their own failures

Remind yourself:

“This is about THEM, not my worth.”

That single thought is protective medicine.

3. Limit emotional exposure

If possible:

i. Reduce time spent with the critic

ii. Keep interactions short, factual, neutral

iii. Avoid explaining or justifying excessively

This is called “emotional distancing”, not disrespect.

Imp: Don,t poke your nose unnecessaarily.

4. Rebuild self-validation

Daily criticism steals confidence—so it must be actively rebuilt:

i. Write down 1–2 things you did well each day

ii. Recall past achievements

iii. Stay connected with people who respect you, but  not with those who are especially  Sycophancy, Toadyism, and Bootlicking type people. 

Confidence is like muscle—it weakens if unused, strengthens if trained.

5. Care for the body (often ignored)

Chronic criticism = chronic stress. Advise:

i. Regular walk / light exercise

ii. Proper sleep

iii. Breathing exercises (even 5 minutes)

A calm body protects the mind.

👉How to respond to chronic criticism (calmly, without fighting)

Some simple, dignified responses:

i. “I’ve heard your point. Let’s keep it specific.”

ii. “I’m open to feedback, not constant negativity.”

iii. “If there’s a solution, I’m listening.”

(Silence + calm eye contact) → very powerful

Arguing feeds the critic. Calm firmness starves it.

👉 IMPORTANT INSIGHT

Daily criticism acts like a slow psychologicaltoxin. It contributes to:

i. Hypertension

ii. Anxiety disorders

iii. Depression

iv. IBS, headaches, poor sleep, acidity

Many patients present with physical symptoms, but the root cause is 'emotional erosion'.

WORKPLACES grow through healthy relationships:

i. Work proficiently and correctly. Efficiency brings respect.

ii. Respectful communication

iii. Clear guidance

iv. Encouragement along with correction

Mental well-being is important as physical health.

Always remember:

"Correction builds a person: constant criticism breaks one."

THANK YOU

"Feedback guides, not hurt."

_Dr Jatinder Sachdeva