WORTHLESSNESS DEFINITION:Feeling devalued, unimportant, and insignificant PHYSICAL SIGNALS AND BEHAVIORS: An inward, pained look (eyes drawing closer, brow creased, slackness in the face, etc.) Avoiding eye contact, looking down Keeping one’s hands hidden (in pockets, jammed into armpits, etc.) Hesitating when speaking; having difficulty getting words out Mumbling or talking in a soft-spoken voice Low energy Taking up as little space as possible Collapsed body posture (shoulders that curl forward, the arms hanging limply, etc.) Being non-reactive (expressing little emotion) Shielding one’s body (half-turning away, talking to the side rather than facing someone head on, crossing the arms or gripping the opposite elbow with a hand, etc.) Moving slowly (shuffling, dragging one’s feet, etc.) Self-soothing gestures (rubbing the arms, stroking a sleeve, etc.) Showing surprise when someone engages and responding awkwardly, unsure of how to act Craving connection yet avoiding social situations and events Taking insults and bullying rather than challenge them Flinching at criticisms and needing to escape Withdrawing; wanting to be alone Avoiding situations where comparisons are likely (feeling inferior) Not expressing one’s opinions due to the belief that they’re invalid Refusing to speak up or advocate for oneself Underachieving or avoiding setting any goals Refusing to ask for help due to the belief that one doesn’t deserve it Not taking care of one’s health, hygiene, etc. Frequently breaking down into tears Watching oneself cry in the mirror to feel “seen” Deflecting compliments by citing one’s faults or failings instead Self-deprecation Feeling alone, even with other people Giving up easily (expecting failure) Saying yes to whatever is asked, even if it is unfair or causes hardship INTERNAL SENSATIONS: Eyes that grow hot Heavy, dull pain throughout the body Experiencing physical pain in the chest or stomach when imagining the future An almost constant ache in the throat Difficulty pulling in deeper breaths (tightness in the chest) MENTAL RESPONSES: Mental fuzziness and detachment Thoughts that circle failure, creating a self-fulfilling prophecy Demoralizing self-talk:Just shut up. No one cares about your ideas anyway. Consistently doubting one’s abilities Feeling inadequate in every way; yearning to be someone else Being prone to envy and jealousy Viewing any mistake (big or small) as confirmation of one’s worthlessness Feeling that others are judging one negatively (inferiority complex) Becoming overwhelmed—even moved to tears—by beauty ACUTE OR LONG-TERM RESPONSES FOR THIS EMOTION: Constant fatigue Poor performance at work or school Seeking out anyone (even toxic people) who provide one with a sense of value Cutting and other self-harming behaviors Taking risks with one’s life and leaving the outcome up to chance Engaging in bad habits (drugs, unprotected sex, etc.) to cope and not caring about the effects Depression Suicidal thoughts or attempts SIGNS THAT THIS EMOTION IS BEING SUPPRESSED: Forming and sustaining dysfunctional or toxic relationships Lowering one’s standards and expectations Pasting on a fake smile Lying about one’s life, activities, success, etc. to pretend one is someone “better” Making excuses for the mean or abusive people in one’s life Pretending that one’s kindnesses toward others are due to altruism rather than one’s low self-worth MAY ESCALATE TO:Shame,Depressed,Self-Loathing MAY DE-ESCALATE TO:Stunned,Neglected,Hopefulness,Insecurity ASSOCIATED POWER VERBS: Avoid, belittle, blame, cope cringe, cry, detach, dismiss disregard, expose, flinch, hate hide, hunch, hurt, loathe neglect, recoil, reject, reveal shield, shrug, slump, sob stoop, stress, struggle, suffer undercut, weaken, weep WRITER’S TIP:If you aren’t happy with an emotional response, change the setting. If the character is alone, put them around people. If they are with others, isolate them or take away their comfort zone.