I don't physically harm me but time and again I knowingly get into a situation that will emotionally hurt me.

Does anyone else feels the same?

[Onward2wards]

I suspect I use deliberately self-defeating behaviors when under stress. I'm still trying to figure out the mechanism and triggers. It really stinks.

[Sam2]

You have hit on a complicated issue. Putting yourself into emotionally harmful situations can be a form of self punishment. Sometimes the reason is hidden in your subconscious where it is more difficult to access.

For some reason, there are those who feel that they deserve to be unhappy, or don't deserve to be happy. Either way, the problem comes from within, and the answer is in finding out what it is effecting your self esteem. The best thing to do is to find a therapist that is familiar with your situation. There are ways of taking people back in time to find a cause. Its not hypnosis, more of a memory exercise done by a professional in a relaxed setting.

To find a cure for any problem, be it emotional or physical, you first need to know why you are performing the behavior. It can be tough to break out of the habit, but it certainly can be done.

Sam2

Ya... I know the reason... I know the situation which leads to me giving emotional pain to myself... I avoid it but when I get into it, I again do it...

[Fuzzybear]

I want to be normal and happy person again. What is stopping me?