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You are here: Home / Anxiety / Silencing Your Inner Critic: 5 Straight-Forward Ways to Start Improving Your Mental Health

Silencing Your Inner Critic: 5 Straight-Forward Ways to Start Improving Your Mental Health

May 22, 2023 by Carol Ann Isbell, LMFT, LCSW

Mental health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, yet many of us struggle with negative thoughts and self-doubt. One of the most significant obstacles to mental well-being is the inner critic, that voice inside our head that tells us we’re not good enough, that we can’t do it, or that we’re not worthy of love and happiness.

This pesky voice can be incredibly damaging, leading to feelings of anxiety, depression, and low self-worth. Here are 5 ways you can start to silence your inner critic and improve your mental health:

1. Recognize Your Inner Critic

The first step to silencing your inner critic is to recognize when it’s speaking. It’s essential to be aware of the negative thoughts and self-doubt that are holding you back. Once you recognize your inner critic, you can start to take action to silence it.

2. Challenge Your Inner Critic

Challenging your inner critic means questioning the validity of its statements. When your inner critic tells you that you’re not good enough, ask yourself: “Is this really true? Are there any facts or evidence to support this statement?” By challenging your inner critic, you can begin to separate fact from fiction.

3. Practice Self-Compassion

Self-compassion is the ability to be kind and understanding towards yourself, even when you make mistakes or fall short of your goals. Instead of criticizing yourself, try to be gentle and understanding. Remind yourself that everyone makes mistakes and that you’re doing the best you can.

4. Use Positive Self-Talk

Positive self-talk is the practice of talking to yourself in a kind and supportive way. Instead of criticizing yourself, try to remind yourself of your strengths and accomplishments. Use words of encouragement, such as “I can do this” or “I’m proud of myself.”

5. Seek Professional Help

If your inner critic is causing severe mental health problems, such as anxiety or depression, it is best to seek professional help. A therapist or counselor can help you to understand your inner critic and to develop strategies for silencing it. They can also help you to develop coping mechanisms for dealing with stress and negative thoughts.

Sometimes the most damaging voice in a room can be our own.  By recognizing, challenging, and silencing your inner critic, you can improve your mental well-being and increase your self-worth—both of which you deserve.    Remember to be kind to yourself, and seek professional help when you need it.

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Filed Under: Anxiety, counseling, Depression, Happiness, Health & Wellness, mental health, Perfectionism, Self Improvement, therapy Tagged With: anxiety, depression, happiness, mental health, self-improvement, stress, wellness

Author Profile


Carol Ann Hamilton Isbell
LMFT, LCSW [she/her]
A Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and one of the founders of Northstar Counseling Center who specializes in:

EMDR, Relationships, Anxiety, Perfectionism
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