What Are The Indications of You Having An Inferiority Complex?

All of us feel inferior sometimes, especially when we start comparing ourselves to others.

We may even feel down and melancholy for a few days as a result. However, some individuals feel inferior and inadequate almost all the time. These individuals can be suffering from a severe inferiority complex.

What is an Inferiority Complex?

An inferiority complex is the feeling of inadequacy brought about by various factors, including real and imagined ones. Human emotions can significantly influence a person’s actions and behaviours, often not in their best interest.

Our subconscious thoughts and feelings can often cause our responsive behaviours to circumstances to be disproportionate, either downplaying or overcompensating them.

An individual suffering from an excess of unrealistic inadequacies can develop a dangerous mental and emotional state if left unaddressed.

An inferiority complex negatively impacts the sufferer and those they come in contact with, especially those close to them.

Here are the common signs of an inferiority complex.

1. Continually Finding Fault in Others

It is straightforward for a person with an inferiority complex to find fault in what others do. Instead of focusing on positive results, these individuals can quickly spot, point out, and amplify others’ mistakes.

2. Treating Feedback as Criticism

There is a lack of broad-mindedness, and openness to well-meant, constructive feedback. Any pointed-out differences may be perceived as an attack and responded to with spite.

3. Overly Sensitive About What Others Think

Image matters a lot to those with an inferiority complex. It may not be their fault, but inferior people are susceptible to what others think. They want everything to be perfect, and as this is all but impossible, they are often given to displays of anger.

4. See Compliments Differently

They can struggle with accepting compliments in the spirit they are given. Even if praised, a person suffering from an inferiority complex feels that they are being condescended to, or that the other person is not sincere.

5. Sees Others as Threats

Due to a lack of open-mindedness and trust in others’ intentions, victims of an inferiority complex are easily intimidated by new team members, internal organizational changes, or developments.

6. Displays False Sense of Superiority

This is a common trait for those with an inferiority complex with a lack of experience and knowledge, and their behaviour can be boastful, wilful, and insensitive.

7. Withdraws From Social Events

These suffering show ‘avoidance’ behaviour. They feel more comfortable if they are absent from social gatherings and situations.

8. Always Comparing themselves to Others

There is always someone out there who is better than they are to an inferior person. Self-esteem is very low.

9. Does not Accept failure

They cannot accept failure as a feedback mechanism for self-improvement. They are perfectionists and believe they will be judged for all they do and say. There is always a need to prove themselves.

Here are a few ways to help overcome an inferiority complex.

• Do not compare yourself to other people around you.
• Understand the cause of your depression
• Replace negative thoughts with positive ones.
• Let go of your baggage.
• Love yourself.
• Accept failure.

An inferiority complex can be challenging to overcome. The roots of this condition lie deep into the subconscious and have a tremendous effect on behaviour and outlook.