Feelings of Worthlessness
A pervasive belief that one has little or no value as a person. Commonly a core symptom of depression and low self-esteem, and a significant contributor to emotional suffering and impaired functioning.
Quick answer
Feelings of worthlessness (ICD-10: R45.8; ICD-11: MB24) are a core feature of major depressive disorder and trauma-related presentations. CBT, schema therapy, and CFT have strong evidence. Red flag: worthlessness with suicidal ideation requires urgent clinical assessment.
Recognition
Do any of these feel familiar?
Believing oneself to be inferior, inadequate, or a burden to others
Difficulty accepting compliments or positive feedback
Comparing oneself unfavourably to others
Pervasive sense of shame or inadequacy
Withdrawal from relationships due to perceived unworthiness
What is Feelings of Worthlessness?
A pervasive belief that one has little or no value as a person. Commonly a core symptom of depression and low self-esteem, and a significant contributor to emotional suffering and impaired functioning.
Approaches Commonly Explored
Commonly explored for conditions related to Feelings of Worthlessness, grouped by mechanism — select your subtype above to highlight the most relevant path.
How to use these approaches
Most people begin with Stabilise approaches, then progress toward Resolve and Sustain.
Cognitive patterns, emotional processing, and stress response.
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