Why do I get so upset with criticism? (2023)

Why does criticism make me upset?

When we receive negative feedback, we root into our “emotional brain,” which bypasses our “thinking brain.” The “emotional brain” (also known as the limbic system) is where our databank of triggers and past emotional memories are stored.

Extreme sensitivity to criticism

People with avoidant personality disorder are very sensitive to anything critical, disapproving, or mocking because they constantly think about being criticized or rejected by others. They are vigilant for any sign of a negative response to them.

People with narcissistic personality disorder often exploit others who fail to admire them. They are overly sensitive to criticism, judgment, and defeat. Histrionic personality disorder. People with this disorder are overly conscious of their appearance and are constantly seeking attention.

You might feel like you don't trust yourself, like you don't have worth, or that you're not enough. Receiving criticism when you're already criticising yourself feels like validation that you are, in fact, a failure.

SHUTTING DOWN— If you find yourself shutting down, feeling hopeless or growing terribly depressed after you get feedback, you are probably deeply afraid of what the feedback means about your worth or your capacities as a person. You may feel out of ideas, and like you are unable to move forward.

For individuals suffering with anxiety, it can be particularly challenging to receive criticism because criticism often brings up one's worst fears of being judged or demeaned. Sensitivity to criticism is an aspect of all anxiety disorders and of social anxiety, in particular.

“Thin-skinned”. Definition: sensitive to criticism or insults.

High levels of perceived criticism are associated with the recurrence of depression and anxiety, and lower levels of self-esteem [10–12]. ADHD is one condition that is associated with high levels of receiving and perceiving criticism [13,14].

Are depressed people more sensitive to criticism?

According to research, high scores on Atlas' Sensitivity to Criticism scale were often associated with higher levels of depression, pessimism, and neuroticism. Those who are sensitive to criticism may be more likely to fear negative evaluations and have lower self-esteem.

Some emotion is normal, but when someone regularly cries when receiving feedback (or regularly has extreme angry outbursts) it is often a defense mechanism. The unconscious reasoning goes something like this: “If I want my boss to leave me alone, I've just got to get a little emotional.”

HSPs tend to have more intense reactions to criticism than their non-sensitive counterparts, and as a result will often employ certain tactics to avoid criticism, such as people-pleasing, criticizing themselves first (before the other person has a chance to), and avoiding the source of the criticism altogether.

The ISFP. These types tend to have varying responses to anger. According to the MBTI® Manual, they are the type most likely to get angry and show it, as well as the type most likely to get angry and not show it. This goes to show that no two people of the same type are exactly alike.

The short answer: INFJ (Introverted-Intuitive-Feeling-Judgment) is the most complex Myers-Briggs Personality Type.

There can be many different reasons. Sometimes, we become more emotional when we go through difficult or stressful times. Recent bereavement, trauma, and stress can make us feel more emotional. Some people tend to be emotionally sensitive because it's a part of their personality.

When trauma and chronic stress become overwhelming, our nervous system tends to move into a shutdown state. Counsellors often refer to it as dissociation, a common response to traumatic events.

Shutting down emotions can be a normal part of human experience, as a coping strategy in stressful situations. Under high stress, it allows your body and brain to protect itself from perceived threats or harm.

Too much negative feedback can affect a person's mental health, often playing a role in the developing and recurrence of conditions such as depression and schizophrenia. Negative criticism from mothers may even predict whether a child will develop depression, according to a 2021 study.

What phobia is fear of criticism?

People with social anxiety disorder (SAD) are sometimes irrationally fearful of criticism and rejection. You may worry constantly that others are thinking negatively about you or that they do not like you.

Although the words reprehend and criticize have much in common, reprehend implies both criticism and severe rebuking.

ADHD makes us more sensitive to criticism. Often, our first instinct is to respond defensively or angrily to outside comments that feel like disapproval. But adults with attention deficit disorder (ADHD or ADD) should know that doing so could sacrifice learning opportunities and the respect of others.