It turns out, according to psychotherapists Aaron Beck and Arthur Freeman, which they express in the book “Cognitive Psychotherapy of Personality Disorders,” some character traits may be signs of emerging serious mental problems.

1. Negligenceis a possible hint of antisocial personality disorder. Of course, everyone likes to work less and relax more, but if a person constantly takes time off, is late, often lies unmotivated, tries to do everything with someone else’s hands, some quit “for nothing”, spend money for other purposes (for example, he went to buy bread, but bought telephone) - then this may be (additional examination is required) an indication of mental problems.

2. Shyness can lead to isolation from the outside world over time. In extreme forms, such people can stop experiencing strong emotions and therefore limit their contacts with people so as not to communicate with them. Increased isolation can be a precursor to schizoid personality disorder, when a person is indifferent to compliments and remarks, has no friends, spends most of his time daydreaming, with an acute experience of reality that he cannot explain to others. If the desire for isolation begins to bother you, contact a specialist.

3. Temporality may be a sign of borderline disorder. A sign of approaching mental problems may be an unjustified sudden change of opinion to the complete opposite. For example, in the morning you tell everyone that meat is poison and is harmful to eat, and cook a steak for lunch. Impulsivity in itself may not be a sign of illness, but if at the same time you have inconsistent sexual and friendly relationships, frequent thoughtless spending of money, you drive carelessly, your mood often changes and you are bored all the time - then there may be a problem (you should consult with a specialist).

4. Postponing things for later is usually characteristic of those who do not want to obey the established orders of society. But when neglected, it can develop into passive aggression, followed by chronic depression. Rebellion in itself is not bad, but if it is accompanied by increased irritability at the slightest request (for example, to take out the trash), inhibition at work, resentment towards understandable advice from people on how to do better and faster, as well as inadequate criticism of any authorities, then it’s worth going to consultation with a psychotherapist.

5. Helpfulnessmay be associated with dependent personality disorder. The desire to help others in itself is wonderful; as social beings, this is what we should do. It's another matter if you are unable to make any decisions without outside approval. If in this case the person is wrong, and you agree with a deliberately false position, you can’t bear to be alone, you are ready to do anything so as not to be alone, you are ready to humiliate yourself in order to be liked, and you are overcome by thoughts that there are only traitors around – you should check with a psychotherapist.

10 traits that could be symptoms (part 2)

1. Suspiciousnessand suspicion. As such, suspicion can be normal, but sometimes it takes on cyclopean forms. People hack the passwords of their loved ones, hire detectives, install cameras and bugs. Extreme manifestations of suspicion can be a sign of paranoia, especially when it is accompanied by a search for hidden meanings in ordinary actions, searching for someone to blame for everything, and a lack of a sense of humor. In this case, it’s time to contact a specialist.

2. Emotionality in its extreme manifestations can be a symptom of hysteria. In general, the desire to attract attention is not bad if it does not turn into fits and outbursts of anger.

The speech of people with hysterical characterology is filled with pronounced emotional coloring in the absence of any details. For example, to the question “Describe what your son looks like?” the answer will be "He's very nice." Moreover, these emotions are usually superficial and quickly changing. People with a hysterical personality type will always seek support from the most influential people in the group. They cannot maintain attention on one thing for a long time and quickly jump from one activity to another in a violent thirst for activity. As a rule, patience is not their strong point and they do not tolerate inactivity well.

Problems arise mainly when building relationships - then you need the help of a psychotherapist.

3. Overzealousness often leads to OCD. The desire for perfection takes on hypertrophied forms in the form of emotional blocking and lack of psychological flexibility. It is worth seeking advice from a psychologist if there is a reluctance to spend time on personal needs due to fear of being unproductive, a refusal to throw away unnecessary things, a pathological fear of mistakes and the desire to do work for others, since no one can do it better than you.

4. Self-criticism can also be a sign of a personality disorder. People who criticize themselves avoid solving problems. This can cause depression, sleep disturbances and panic attacks. Although self-criticism is generally a good quality, when taken to its extreme it can be a problem. If you are very offended by critical remarks, avoid new contacts to such an extent that any interaction with new people stresses you out, if any ordinary actions frighten you with some hidden risks, and you exaggerate difficulties, it is useful to consult a psychotherapist.

5. Inflated self-esteem is better than self-flagellation, but its extreme form is called narcissistic personality disorder. It is expressed, as a rule, in hidden or obvious anger, not any critical remarks, using people for one’s own purposes, expecting special treatment from everyone (everyone must understand that a person like me should be treated differently than others), acute attacks of envy and dreams of a unique, wonderful destiny and money that is not like others. In the event that this really begins to interfere with the lives of you or those around you, it would be a good idea to undergo a course of psychotherapy.

And a final note, don’t think that if you have any of these traits I’ve listed, you need to immediately run to a therapist. Only if a character trait has acquired extremely ugly forms that really interfere with your socialization, work and communication, then you need to take action. To schedule a consultation, click on the button below.

Take action and you will succeed!