The Shame Cycle: What It Is and How to Step Off of It!

Sue had a bad day. She missed an important deadline at work on a project that was important to her job. This came at the same time as she was being considered for a promotion. She had interviewed for a position that would push her to the next level of management. Sue had worked for two years to prepare herself for this promotion, and the time had finally come.

Because of the mistake she made, Sue was taken out of the running for the position. She was so depressed and ashamed that she went home and had a drink. In the past, that had helped relieve stress. Instead of feeling better, she sat in her dark house alone brooding on how stupid she was. Her harsh inner critic was having a field day, giving her negative messages. She continued to spiral down deeper into depression and self incrimination.

Then the loneliness hit. She decided to call her ex-boyfriend. He was always good for a laugh. Laughs turned into a night, and the next morning she awoke with a

headache and a heartache. In a cold sweat and with a racing heart, she grabbed her belongs and ran home. What had she done? Why was she so stupid to see her ex again? She knew better than to drink more than one drink. Now she felt sick and needed to head for work. Instead, she wanted to go to bed and hide under the covers. Everyone at work would smell the alcohol and see how hungover she looked.