Dear Readers,
The title of this article in today's Wall Street Journal says it all: "Silencing a Voice That Says You're A Fraud." It turns out that the Inner Critic that tells you on a daily basis that you are fat, disgusting, a pig, etc., isn't just a trait of those with eating disorders. Physicians, eminent scholars, and executives seemingly immune to self-doubt about their abilities, intelligence, or achievements can all suffer froma sense of inadequacy in one area of life or another.
Kept in check, the Inner Critic can help a person achieve. The out-of-control Inner Critic, however, can be a destructive force, leading to depression and anxiety. The article, by Melinda Beck, describes how Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help combat this self-critical tendency. This technique is one of the most effective tools for combatting eating disorders, especially bulimia, body dysmorphic and binge-eating disorders. Try completing the 15-item self-criticism questionnare to see where you stand on the spectrum of self-critical behavior, and see if you can apply some of the CBT techniques the article outlines to your own life!
Take care,
Nancy
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