People with a sense of entitlement often believe they deserve special treatment or recognition for something they didn’t earn. Unfortunately, this mindset can have an adverse effect on your mental health.
If you feel entitled, you may be more susceptible to mental health issues like depression, anxiety or relationship difficulties. But you don’t have to suffer in silence; there are steps you can take to combat your feelings of entitlement and reduce their effects on your life.
1. Depression
The long-term consequences of entitlement can have a significant effect on mental health. It often leads to chronic disappointment and unmet expectations, creating an upward spiraling behavior pattern with serious psychological and social repercussions that may be difficult to break free from.
Entitlement can be defined as the perception that one deserves certain privileges or benefits. This could range from a basic legal right (like being entitled to free medical care once you reach a certain age) up to more significant privileges and rights like accessing employment programs).
A recent study indicates that individuals who possess an excessive sense of entitlement tend to be less satisfied with their lives than other people. This can have detrimental effects on their relationships and result in feelings of unhappiness, loneliness, and depression.
Though there is no single cause for entitlement, it could be linked to a past trauma. Additionally, it could be indicative of another personality disorder such as narcissistic or antisocial personality disorders.
One way to combat a sense of entitlement is through gratitude and humility. This can help you become more responsible and considerate of others’ needs while increasing self-reliance and belief in one’s own abilities.
Another way to combat the long-term effects of entitlement is seeking treatment for a mental health condition. This could be done through online therapy or visiting a mental health professional at your local clinic.
It is essential to seek treatment if you are suffering from depression, as doing so will greatly enhance your wellbeing and happiness. This is especially true if you feel overwhelmed and isolated.
Depression can have debilitating symptoms that make it difficult to get out of bed each day. Furthermore, those suffering from depression are more likely to experience anxiety or other mental health conditions as well.
In order to better understand how patients’ perceptions of time entitlement affect their experiences during consultations for depression, we conducted interviews with 32 general practice patients and 30 respondents from the Depression Alliance. Our findings demonstrated that patients were aware of a time pressure during these appointments; many felt pressed for time when discussing problems fully, which was evident in how they prioritized topics for discussion and how much information was provided.
2. Anxiety
If you feel a sense of entitlement, it is essential to recognize how this type of behavior may have an effect on your mental health. Long-term consequences could range from depression and anxiety, to relationship difficulties and more.
Anxiety can be a normal part of living, but when it becomes overwhelming and interferes with daily activities, professional help should be sought. Furthermore, if you have an anxiety disorder, the condition is likely to get worse if not addressed early – making getting help early essential.
Most people experience some level of anxiety at some point in their lives. It is normal to feel nervous before a medical exam or job interview, but when this feeling persists and starts interfering with daily activities, work, sleep and relationships you may need to seek treatment for an anxiety disorder.
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder are the two most widespread anxiety disorders. GAD causes excessive, uncontrollable worry about a variety of things; symptoms may include worry about health, money, social situations or physical sensations like shaking, nausea, confusion and dizziness.
Panic disorder is a chronic condition marked by frequent, intense panic attacks. These episodes usually come on suddenly and without warning and may lead to physical symptoms like increased blood pressure, nausea, dizziness or breathing difficulties.
Two primary methods for treating anxiety: talk therapy and medications. Both treatments have proven successful in relieving anxiety symptoms, and may be utilized separately or together for maximum benefit.
Psychotherapy, also known as “talk therapy,” provides strategies to alter your thoughts and behaviors that cause anxiety. It may also teach you relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or stretching when feeling overwhelmed with tension.
Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications can provide temporary relief from anxiety symptoms. They may be prescribed either as short-term or long-term solutions.
People with a sense of entitlement often believe they deserve preferential treatment without considering why. They may think the world owes them something, or should be granted special favors. Unfortunately, this mindset can lead to other mental health issues like insecurity, depression, self-isolation and low self-esteem.
3. Relationship Issues
When in a relationship, it’s essential to remember there will be ups and downs. Some days your union may feel like an idyllic paradise while other days it may be filled with conflict and misunderstandings. By understanding what causes these issues in your partnership, you can better weather these storms without having to endure major setbacks.
One of the most prevalent relationship issues is when you and your partner start taking each other for granted. This can occur when life becomes hectic, with work, children, travel or other responsibilities taking priority over each other.
Geetarsh Patel, a relationship expert, notes that one partner may feel like the other is not making any effort in the relationship. This can lead to lack of appreciation and communication.
You can combat this by being patient and waiting for each other to make an authentic effort. Take time to understand each other’s perspective, then explain your needs honestly and openly. Plan regular date nights and text back and forth throughout the day, if possible.
Another common issue in long-term relationships is when you and your partner don’t agree on where the relationship stands. This can cause major difficulties for both parties.
Entitlement is a powerful emotion that can have far-reaching consequences in your life, such as depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions if not addressed adequately.
If you are struggling with feelings of entitlement, seeking the assistance of a therapist or counselor could be beneficial. They can identify the root cause and teach you strategies for overcoming them so that your sense of self-worth improves.
In addition to helping you address personal concerns, a therapist can also offer social support and equip you with strategies for dealing with difficult situations in a positive light. You may find it beneficial to enlist the support of family members or friends in dealing with these difficulties.
4. Low Self-Esteem
Long Term Effects of Entitlement on Mental Health
In the short term, a sense of entitlement can lead to negative self-talk, thoughts, and feelings; it also makes it difficult to set healthy boundaries with others. These issues are complex to tackle alone so seeking professional help is recommended in understanding where these feelings originate and how best to move forward in life with more confidence and self-love.
Low self-esteem can hamper one’s ambition and confidence in themselves and their abilities. This may cause them to avoid taking risks or working hard, instead finding excuses to put off tasks or fail at them.
Another sign of low self-esteem is an inability to feel proud of your accomplishments. This could lead to the feeling that you’re not good enough or don’t deserve recognition, or it could make you feel inadequate if other people’s expectations don’t match up or if there are barriers preventing success.
Researchers have observed the long-term consequences of low self-esteem, such as feelings of hopelessness and the tendency to blame other people or events for one’s shortcomings. This is especially true if one struggles with low levels of self-worth while trying to improve their mental health.
Studies have demonstrated the long-term consequences of low self-esteem on adolescents, including an increased likelihood of anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts. If you are struggling with these symptoms it is important to seek professional help if possible.
If you are seeking therapy for these or any other mental health concerns, it is essential to be honest with them about your feelings of low self-worth so that they can identify the underlying causes. The sooner these patterns of thinking and behaving are identified by a therapist, the quicker you can begin changing them.
