Why You're Sensitive To Criticism: Impact On Mental Health And Self-Esteem

Updated December 18, 2024by Regain Editorial Team

Criticism is an inevitable part of life. No matter who you are, what you do, or how great, at some point, you will face critics. Sometimes criticism is constructive; other times, it's not. How you handle criticism will greatly impact your quality of life, relationships with other people, and how you move through the world. If you find yourself in a situation where you are extremely sensitive to criticism, this can cause problems, especially in certain settings. Getting to the bottom of why criticism bugs you will be beneficial in both the short and long term.

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Receiving criticism is never easy

A brief overview of criticism

Criticism can come in a variety of fashions from all different sources. Certain critics may have genuine motivations and want to help you. Others may criticize you simply because they're jealous or intimidated by you. Knowing and understanding these realities about criticism is always important.

Criticism is never something that can be completely avoided. People will never cease to have their outlook on you, your decisions, and how you live life. However, no matter how harsh someone's criticism may be, you don't have to let it define you. Ultimately, the choice to internalize criticism or take it to heart is yours and yours alone. You cannot control what other people think or why they have their thoughts, but you can determine how you will respond.

What causes sensitivity to criticism?

If you're wondering why criticism is something that irks you so much, you're in luck. There are various psychological reasons and factors that are linked to sensitivity to criticism. Sometimes, knowing the reasons behind your sensitivity to criticism can allow you to overcome it or, at the very least, not be impacted to such a significant extent. By exploring the following reasons, you can determine which situation may be most applicable to you.

Childhood experiences

Children who grow up in households where perfection is the expectation are more likely to become adults who don't handle criticism very well. It has been well-established that the experiences one has in childhood impact their adult life; reactions to criticism are certainly no exception.

Personal interpretation

Sometimes, how you interpret criticism can contribute to how sensitive you are. This is more common than most people realize. More often than not, individuals tend to react poorly to criticism when they believe it comes from a source with ill intentions. Of course, every situation is different. Sometimes, there are cases where critics truly do mean harm; in other cases, criticism can be completely valid and well-intentioned, even if the person on the receiving end doesn't think so.

Low self-esteem

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Like childhood issues and personal interpretation, low self-esteem is another factor linked to sensitivity to criticism. In many cases, sensitivity happens when someone feels that something is an affront or an attack against them. In the mind of someone who experiences low self-esteem, any criticism serves to confirm that they are not good enough. In many cases, this particular reason for sensitivity to criticism can create a vicious cycle. As previously stated, criticism is sometimes constructive and can be used to better oneself.

Mental health challenges

Individuals going through depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues can experience sensitivity to criticism. In cases like these, sensitivity is a symptom of a greater problem. Each person has their own manner of perceiving feedback given to them, especially when they're already going through other challenges in life. If you believe that mental health issues are linked to your sensitivity to criticism, there are resources out there and specialists that can be helpful to you. The quality of any person's mental health is very serious and nothing to be taken lightly.

How to overcome sensitivity to criticism for better mental health

If you're someone who struggles with sensitivity to criticism, the good news is that you can overcome this. Nine times out of ten, the solution is to change how you interpret criticism by shifting your perspective.

You cannot control what people think or how they criticize you; however, you have power over your perception of outside opinions. Learning new ways to view criticism may prove to be beneficial as you interact with other people.

Sensitive to criticism? Don't take it personally

Not taking criticism personally is often easier said than done, especially when the topic is a personal matter. However, a person's thoughts or opinions of you do not have to become your reality. You know who you are. Criticism from other people does not define you. You can listen to what someone has to say, decide whether or not it's merited, and then continue going about your business. Sensitivity to criticism is usually the result of a perceived personal affront. Exercise your control over what you take to heart.

Consider the source

Criticism will come from all different sources; some are valid while others are not. In life, telling the difference between the two sources is what wisdom ultimately boils down to. One of the best ways to determine whether or not a source is valid is to consider their quality of life.

How do your critics spend their days? Are they successful or unsuccessful? Do they generally seem content or dissatisfied? If the person who criticized you is wise or someone you wish to learn from, the criticism may be worth thinking about. If not, then let it go. Not every person is qualified to provide a critique; a part of life is simply allowing certain things to roll right off you.

Be honest with yourself

Getty/AnnaStills
Receiving criticism is never easy

Part of living life with integrity means realizing that nobody is perfect. We all make mistakes, and we all have personal shortcomings in life. There are always areas to improve, but this doesn't make you any less valuable as a human being.

Acknowledging when criticism is valid can also help you overcome sensitivity, whether you realize it or not. Sometimes, criticism from the right sources is critical to personal growth and development. The ability to recognize valid, merited criticism also comes with the added benefit of knowing when to ignore certain critics.

Self-critique

Contrary to common misconceptions, criticism does not always have to come from other people. You carry yourself with you everywhere you go; therefore, there are likely times when you're able to recognize areas where you can improve and get better. The ability to critique yourself is a sign of self-awareness and can allow you to reduce sensitivity when facing criticism from others. In many ways, this goes back to knowing who you are and being honest about feedback that isn't merited.

Run it by another source

If you find yourself in a situation where you are unsure of how to deal with criticism, don't be afraid to get a second opinion. Hearing what a different person has to say can provide a fresh perspective. Each individual is unique and will have their own outlook on people and situations they're exposed to. An additional source may or may not agree with your original critique. Furthermore, the feedback from the next person you ask could very well be the complete opposite feedback. Nevertheless, you will have a new outlook and something else to consider, at the very least.

An online therapist can help you understand and change your response to criticism

If you are dealing with extreme sensitivity to criticism or even an additional obstacle that you struggle to overcome on your own, seeking professional help may be advantageous. Sometimes, the issues we face on the surface are merely symptoms of a more dormant issue. 

Professional help is nothing to be ashamed of, and it's a resource that will always be available to you. If you're willing to accept the help, you can always sign up for online therapy with Regain.

Regain therapists are licensed and trained to work with both individuals and those in relationships. You can chat with a therapist via text, telephone, or video. Regain is a convenient option for therapy since you can meet with a counselor at a time that works with your schedule—and you can meet anywhere you have a connection to the internet.

Takeaway

Online therapy has been an effective way for many people to work through all types of mental health disorders. It has also been helpful for those who struggle with their self-esteem. Online cognitive behavior therapy works to replace negative thoughts with more positive ones, and this type of treatment could help one to take in criticism in a healthier way.

Working with an online therapist allows you to receive world-class care regardless of who you are, where you live, or what your schedule looks like. Taking online therapy is one of the bravest things you can do; it requires a willingness to address issues that aren't the most pleasant yet need to be dealt with. In the long run, you will thank yourself and be glad that you chose to improve the quality of your life.

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