Is Hating Yourself a Sign of Depression? Understanding Self‑Hatred

Taylor Shaw
Published: 07/21/2025 | Updated: 02/02/2026
Authored by: Taylor Shaw, B.S.
Edited by: Christina Kayanan, LAADC, LMFT
Medical Reviewer Logo
Medically Reviewed by:
Dr. William Dodge
If your mind is plagued with thoughts of “I hate myself,” and you can’t place where these thought patterns are coming from, or you’re having difficulty moving past these negative thoughts, you may be struggling with depression. Common symptoms of depression include feelings of inadequacy and negative cyclical thoughts, which can lead to low self-esteem, low self-worth, and these thoughts that an individual may hate him or herself. Recent studies of depressed patients found that feelings of inadequacy were part of the core major depressive syndrome and self-blaming emotions occurred in most patients; elf-disgust/contempt was slightly more frequent than guilt.1 If you’re struggling with a loud inner critic as a result of a mental health condition like depression, psychotherapy and other mental health treatment can help. To learn more about the options, call us today so we can connect you with mental health professionals who will help you get to the root cause of your self-hatred, and unlock self-compassion.
Person experiencing self‑criticism and negative self‑talk linked to depression

Key Takeaways

  • Yes—persistent self-hatred (“I hate myself”), harsh self-criticism, and feelings of inadequacy can be signs of depression, especially when they become cyclical and hard to shake.
  • Depression and self-hatred are often intertwined; low self-esteem and worthlessness can reinforce negative self-talk and, in some cases, suicidal ideation.
  • Evidence-based therapy approaches like CBT, DBT, and EMDR can help people challenge self-blaming thoughts, process past experiences, and build self-compassion over time.
  • Is hating yourself always depression? Not always, but ongoing self-loathing can be connected to depression or related struggles—professional assessment can clarify what’s driving it and what treatment may help.

Table of Contents

Depression and Self-Hatred

Depression and self-hatred are generally entangled, as low self-esteem is a common symptom of depression. Feelings of self-hatred or inadequacy may also be a result of childhood mistakes, childhood experiences, or childhood trauma. However, treating self-hatred through a series of psychological processes can help foster a stronger sense of self, encouraging self-love and self-acceptance through psychotherapy and psychiatry. Psychotherapy methods like CBT, DBT and EMDR can help an individual to overcome their past mistakes or experiences, reform their thought patterns, and slowly over time, let go of self-hatred. 

Common Symptoms of Depression

  • Cyclical negative thoughts
  • Self-hatred and self-loathing
  • Self-criticism and low self-worth
  • Feelings of self-hatred and feelings of self-loathing
  • Feelings of worthlessness
  • Negative self-talk and negative feelings about self
  • Suicidal Ideation

Body Image and Depression

Poor body image can affect physical and psychological health and can influence self-esteem, mood, competence, social functioning, and occupational functioning.2 Body dysmorphic disorder is an underrecognized and relatively common disorder that is associated with high rates of occupational and social impairment, hospitalization, and suicide attempts. Though it is unlikely to simply be a symptom of depression, it often coexists with depression and may be related to depression.3 Similarly, self-sabotage rooted in self-hatred can include procrastination and perfectionism. The idea that someone struggling cannot do something out of the fear of failure or the idea that they will not be good enough can stop an individual struggling with depression from reaching out and fostering further connection with other human beings. An individual who already hates him or herself may hold themselves to unrealistic expectations, then engaging in self-destructive behaviors. The lack of connection can then lead to further isolation, and the negative consequences go on in a cyclical fashion.
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More About Depression

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a mood disorder that is known for causing persistent sadness, a loss of interest in pleasurable activities, and a range of other emotional and physical symptoms. Symptoms of depression can affect your daily routine, relationships, and overall quality of life.

Individuals who find themselves struggling with helplessness, hopelessness and isolation often benefit from comprehensive mental health treatment. A Mission For Michael has multiple behavioral health centers that offer whole-person care located in California, Minnesota, and Virginia. Our treatment programs blend the use of traditional and holistic treatment methods to provide optimal care.

We provide treatment for a range of mental health disorders, including dual diagnosis conditions. Your treatment journey will begin with a comprehensive depressive assessment so that we can understand the full scope of your depression symptoms. From there, we can review your depression treatment options and help you get the care you need. Continue reading for more information regarding the causes of depression, and how treatment can help you overcome depression.

Research Surrounding Depression and Social Media Platforms

The general consensus has been that with an increased use of social media, comes low self-esteem, skewed body image, FOMO (fear of missing out), increased eating disorders and more.4 The issue is the misuse of social media, the comparison of one person’s highlight reel of his or her life, being internalized and compared to another young person’s perception of self.  According to one study, “Cultural trends contributing to an increase in mood disorders and suicidal thoughts and behaviors since the mid-2000s, including the rise of electronic communication and digital media and declines in sleep duration, may have had a larger impact on younger people, creating a cohort effect.”5 In another, more recent study, 5395 individuals “reported that use of Snapchat, Facebook, or TikTok were more likely to report increased levels of depressive symptoms on a later survey.”6  These days, social media sites have become increasingly entangled in our society and all social interactions. It would be difficult, and likely unrealistic, to remove them altogether. Even in the case of Linkedin, a professional social networking site, social media use is linked to increased levels of depression and anxiety.7 Research shows that for the sake of teen mental health, there need to be guidelines in place to ensure that social media is being used properly, rather than as a tool for self-harm, communities of common distorted self image, or self-harm.8 Community guidelines, mental health resources, and awareness campaigns are constructive to the proper use of social media.  If you’re struggling with your mental health as a result of social media, or otherwise, you can call our helpline today for support and resources.

Psychiatric Treatment for Depression

There are a variety of different antidepressant medications that have been proven as effective treatment (in combination with psychological treatment) for depression. Some types of antidepressants are listed here, but inquire with a licensed medical professional or psychiatrist for detailed information on different treatments. Never take psychiatric medication unless it is prescribed to you, and be sure to consult with medical professionals in case of external risk factors. 


Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)are antidepressant medications that treat different neurotransmitters in order to block the reabsorption of serotonin or norepinephrine, keeping more of the chemicals in the synaptic cleft. Both are effective treatments for depression, but depend upon the individual, and should be approached with medical guidance and professional advice. Click here to learn more about the importance of medication management.

Inpatient Treatment for Depression

Inpatient Treatment for Depression refers to residential, or live-in mental health care programming in a facility. Inpatient treatment allows you or your loved one to engage in interpersonal therapy with licensed therapists and group therapy sessions, while healing in a safe and supportive environment. Inpatient mental health programming for depression usually also provides the highest level of care, with 24/7 clinical care, psychiatry and medication management, and personalized treatment plans for lasting well-being.

Outpatient Treatment for Depression

Outpatient Treatment (IOP or PHP) programs offer comprehensive mental health care at a more flexible schedule, with both in-person and virtual options available. Unlike residential care, outpatient treatment can offer online therapy and programming, but without 24/7 clinical teams on staff. Outpatient treatment plans still offer a combination of individual and group therapy, through a holistic approach, but in a less structured environment.

If you have been struggling with self-hatred or another one of the depression symptoms we have mentioned, know that you’re not alone. A Mission For Michael has admission counselors available around the clock to help determine which treatment options can assist you in managing depression. Contact us today to begin your confidential and free mental health assessment.

Find Depression Treatment Programs

A Mission For Michael (AMFM) provides treatment for adults experiencing various conditions. Depression support is a phone call away – call 866-478-4383 to learn about our current treatment options.

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Does Health Insurance Cover Treatment for Depression Disorder Near Me?

Yes, most health insurance companies provide some form of coverage for depression treatment. This often includes both inpatient and outpatient care, depending on your symptoms. Coverage generally applies to therapy, counseling, and medication management services. Your plan may have limitations, exclusions, or required authorizations.

We encourage you to verify your coverage with AMFM Mental Health Treatment to understand the full scope of your benefits. This is especially true if you’re looking for specific treatments, like postpartum depression treatments or persistent depressive disorder treatment options.

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Insurance can be complicated but we are here to help. AMFM has over a decade of experience in the mental health field and is in-network with many large insurance providers.

By using our form, we can quickly determine if you are in-network at one of our facilities. Insurance benefits vary greatly depending on the policy you have, so we obtain a detailed quote of your coverage.

It usually takes between sixty to ninety minutes depending on the time of day.

Our team will check insurance coverage and determine the benefits available to you for mental health services.

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Additional Mental Health Disorders and Conditions for Treatment

AMFM Mental Health Treatment has extensive experience treating a variety of mental health disorders beyond depression through evidence-based therapies, including but not limited to the following:

  • Anxiety Disorders
  • Eating Disorders
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • ADHD
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Mood Disorders
  • Psychosis 
  • Schizophrenia
  • Panic Attacks


Recovery can feel isolating; mental health programming can provide cohesive treatment plans to help you or your loved one as you move forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not automatically—but it can be a meaningful warning sign, especially if the thoughts are repetitive, intense, and paired with low mood, loss of interest, isolation, or hopelessness. We can help you sort out what’s behind the self-hatred and what level of support fits.

Depression can amplify a “loud inner critic,” making you interpret mistakes or setbacks as proof you’re not good enough. Over time, that can turn into self-loathing, low self-worth, and negative self-talk that feels difficult to interrupt.

Many people experience cyclical negative thoughts, self-criticism, low self-worth, feelings of worthlessness, and sometimes suicidal ideation. If any of this resonates, you deserve support—and you’re not alone.

Yes. Therapies like CBT, DBT, and EMDR can help you identify harmful thought patterns, build emotional coping skills, and work through experiences that may be fueling shame or self-blame—so you can move toward self-acceptance.

If your symptoms are disrupting daily life, relationships, or safety—or if you’ve tried outpatient care and still feel stuck—residential treatment may offer the structure and support you need. We start with an assessment and then recommend the most appropriate level of care for you.

Roland Zahn, Karen E. Lythe, Jennifer A. Gethin, Sophie Green, John F. William Deakin, Allan H. Young, Jorge Moll, The role of self-blame and worthlessness in the psychopathology of major depressive disorder, Journal of Affective Disorders, Volume 186, 2015, Pages 337-341, ISSN 0165-0327, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2015.08.001. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165032715004309)

Hosseini SA, Padhy RK. Body Image Distortion (Archived) [Updated 2023 Sep 4]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546582/

Phillips KA. Body dysmorphic disorder and depression: theoretical considerations and treatment strategies. Psychiatr Q. 1999 Winter;70(4):313-31. doi: 10.1023/a:1022090200057. PMID: 10587987.

Nawaz FA, Riaz MMA, Banday NUA, Singh A, Arshad Z, Derby H, Sultan MA. Social media use among adolescents with eating disorders: a double-edged sword. Front Psychiatry. 2024 Feb 9;15:1300182. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1300182. PMID: 38404474; PMCID: PMC10884122.

Twenge, J. M., Cooper, A. B., Joiner, T. E., Duffy, M. E., & Binau, S. G. (2019). Age, period, and cohort trends in mood disorder indicators and suicide-related outcomes in a nationally representative dataset, 2005–2017. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 128(3), 185–199. https://doi.org/10.1037/abn0000410

Perlis RH, Green J, Simonson M, Ognyanova K, Santillana M, Lin J, Quintana A, Chwe H, Druckman J, Lazer D, Baum MA, Della Volpe J. Association Between Social Media Use and Self-reported Symptoms of Depression in US Adults. JAMA Netw Open. 2021 Nov 1;4(11):e2136113. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.36113. PMID: 34812844; PMCID: PMC8611479.

Jones JR, Colditz JB, Shensa A, Sidani JE, Lin LY, Terry MA, Primack BA. Associations Between Internet-Based Professional Social Networking and Emotional Distress. Cyberpsychol Behav Soc Netw. 2016 Oct;19(10):601-608. doi: 10.1089/cyber.2016.0134. PMID: 27732077; PMCID: PMC5067824.

Nawaz FA, Riaz MMA, Banday NUA, Singh A, Arshad Z, Derby H, Sultan MA. Social media use among adolescents with eating disorders: a double-edged sword. Front Psychiatry. 2024 Feb 9;15:1300182. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1300182. PMID: 38404474; PMCID: PMC10884122.

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