What is Self-Love Deficit Disorder, and How Can One Recover from It?
Self-love deficit disorder (SLDD) is a medically unrecognized syndrome, wherein a person normalizes abuse in intimate relationships. It is a mental state in which an individual feels that unequal and abusive intimate relationships are acceptable and the imbalance and one-sided distribution of love is atypical. People suffering from SLDD often negate ‘self-love’ and shun their own needs to care for their narcissistic and abusive partner. What is self-love deficit disorder all about, and how can one recover from it? Read ahead to find out!
Characteristics of a Person Suffering from Self-Love Deficit Disorder
The main characteristics of self-love deficit disorder are -
People with SLDD often find themselves in unbalanced and unhealthy relationships.
They feel self-deficient and are inclined towards toxic and self-serving individuals who only receive to give nothing in return.
People with self-love deficit disorder are usually deemed the weaker and abused co-dependents to partners or others in intimate relationships, who selfishly absorb others’ energy and resources.
Those with SLDD have a distorted and skewed perception of reality and self-assessment. Such individuals erroneously believe that they are fundamentally flawed and damaged.
People with self-love deficit disorder tend to constantly subject themselves to abuse and negate the abuse directed at them via gaslighting, denial, negative self-talk, etc.
People with SLDD act out because of several reasons, such as -
Intense guilt
Low self-esteem
Low self-confidence
Pathological loneliness
Obsessive fear of abandonment
People with SLDD self-disorder demonstrate a long-term enduring pattern of passivity, unconditional obedience, and submission. All these three inner qualities cripple them from functioning normally and healthily in varying social settings.
Thus, SLDD is frequently associated with poor mental health, self-harm and suicidal tendencies. However, all is not lost, as there are ways to recover from the condition. But, before talking about recovery, let us check out the symptoms of the condition.
Symptoms of SLDD Self-Deficit Condition
Guilt
Low self-esteem
Low self-confidence
Pathological loneliness
Extremely passivity
Denial of reality
Fear of abandonment
Excessive attachment
Over-dependence on love and attachment
Having narcissistic partners or friends
Attempting to control others with love, care, favors, etc
People pleasing
If the points above resonate, you might be inflicted with self-love deficit disorder. However, all is not lost, as recovery and healing are very much possible.
Recovering from Self-love Deficit Disorder
The most common strategy to recover from SLDD is known as ‘self-love abundance.’ It is popularly advised with certain self–help mindfulness techniques. Simply put, self-love abundance means accepting yourself wholeheartedly and unconditionally. The first step of self-love abundance revolves around dealing with unaddressed childhood trauma and past negative experiences. Then, it is the gradual process of prioritizing yourself and establishing a realistic and empowering concept of the self, while getting rid of maladaptive coping mechanisms.
If you feel that you might be suffering from SLDD, consult a therapist in MN, for the help that you need.
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