This Graphic Shows How Childhood Invalidation Can Become Your Inner Voice
As children, we look up to the adults in our lives. We believe that they are all knowing and value what they say and teach us.
When we grow up around invalidation, we hear invalidating comments about our feelings and experiences. These messages that you hear over and over become internalized and become your own inner voice as you get older.
This inner voice can be critical and also create a lot of self-doubt within you.
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I’m here to tell you that you inner voice is not always true. Understanding that your inner voice was shaped by your past experiences can allow you to see that you can reshape your inner voice. You can do this by practicing self-compassion and kindness.
Your brain can rewire itself over time if you override old patterns and replace them with new patterns of thinking.
I’m here to tell you that your experience matters. Your feelings and thoughts matter, no matter what your inner voice is saying and no matter what others told you before. Talk to yourself the way you would a friend — be kind to yourself.
Header image via Amy Tran/Instagram
Amy is a doctoral student studying clinical psychology in Ontario, Canada. She has worked with children, adolescents, adults, and families. She also has specialized training to work with children who have Autism Spectrum Disorder. Before committing to becoming a psychologist, she studied Visual and Creative Arts. Her Instagram account @doodledwellness is where Amy's passion for mental health and art come together. She creates doodles on social media to make mental health resources and information more accessible to everyday people. Amy hopes that her doodles will raise awareness about mental illness, fight stigma, give people tools to cope with mental health challenges, give people tips to practice mindfulness and self-compassion, and provide people with a daily pick me up. Ultimately, she hopes that her doodles will promote wellness. Anyone interested in commissioning Amy to draw faceless portraits and pets can also email her and check out her studio account on Instagram at @doodledwellness_studio.
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