Why Do I Have Such a Negative Inner Voice?

A negative inner voice often develops through repeated experiences, beliefs and learned ways of interpreting yourself.
It may be influenced by criticism, unrealistic expectations, comparison, rejection, difficult relationships, perfectionism or experiences where you felt you had to earn approval.
Over time, external criticism can become internal criticism.
You may eventually start saying to yourself the things that other people once said to you — or applying standards to yourself that you would never expect another person to meet.
The important thing to understand is that a critical inner voice is not necessarily an accurate reflection of who you are.
Therapy can help identify where these beliefs came from, recognise the situations that activate them and develop a healthier internal relationship.
You don't have to believe every thought your mind produces.