8 signs you’re not going crazy but actually becoming more self-aware, according to psychology

If you’ve ever had moments where you feel like you’re going crazy, trust me, you’re not alone. It’s a feeling that can be disconcerting and incredibly confusing.

But what if I told you that this might not be a sign of losing your sanity, but rather a sign of increased self-awareness? It’s a possibility worth considering.

Self-awareness is all about understanding your own emotions, motivations, and behaviors. It’s a key aspect of mental health and personal growth. But it’s not always comfortable or easy.

Psychology has identified certain signs that may suggest you’re not going off the deep end, but rather becoming more in tune with yourself.

Although everyone’s journey to self-awareness is unique, understanding these signs might help make sense of what you’re experiencing.

1) You’re questioning your reality

You might find yourself questioning everything, from your beliefs and values to your relationships and decisions. This can feel unsettling, like the rug has been pulled out from under you, leaving you feeling lost.

Remember, though, that this isn’t a sign of losing your mind. Far from it. This is actually a crucial part of becoming self-aware.

It’s about challenging everything you thought you knew, breaking down old paradigms and building a more authentic understanding of yourself and the world around you.

This questioning is often accompanied by a heightened sense of curiosity. You might find yourself wanting to learn more about yourself, others, and the world in general.

This thirst for knowledge is another sign of increased self-awareness.

If you feel like you’re questioning everything, don’t panic. It’s not a sign you’re going crazy but rather an indicator that you’re delving deeper into self-discovery and personal growth.

Embrace it as much as you can. It’s a journey worth embarking on.

2) You’re feeling more emotional

Emotions have a bad rap sometimes. We’re often told to “toughen up” or “shake it off”, especially when those emotions are seen as negative, like sadness or anger.

But here’s the thing: Feeling more emotional isn’t a sign of going nuts. It’s actually a sign of becoming more in tune with your inner world.

Becoming more self-aware often means uncovering and acknowledging hidden emotions. You might find that you’re crying more, or experiencing mood swings.

This can be disconcerting, but it’s actually a positive step towards understanding and processing your feelings.

So next time you find yourself tearing up at a movie or feeling unusually angry at a comment, remember that it’s not a sign of instability.

Instead, it’s a sign that you’re connecting with your emotions on a deeper level. And that’s a good thing. It’s all part of the journey towards enhanced self-awareness and emotional intelligence.

3) You’re becoming more introspective

Introspection takes center stage as you become more self-aware. You may find yourself spending more time alone, reflecting on your thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

This can be seen as odd or antisocial by others, but it’s actually a crucial part of self-discovery.

Research shows that spending time alone in introspection can lead to greater self-insight and emotional regulation.

It allows for a deeper understanding of our thoughts, feelings and behaviors, which in turn can lead to personal growth and improved relationships.

So if you’re finding that you’re craving more alone time or enjoying your own company more than usual, don’t worry. It’s not a sign of going mad or becoming a hermit.

You’re simply creating the space needed to understand yourself better. This introspective phase is an important part of becoming more self-aware.

4) You’re feeling overwhelmed

With greater self-awareness often comes a flood of realizations about yourself and the world around you.

It’s like opening a door to a room you didn’t know existed – all at once, you’re confronted with new perspectives, truths, and understanding. It can feel like too much to handle.

It’s okay to feel overwhelmed. It’s okay to feel like you need to take a step back and process everything at your own pace. This journey of self-discovery isn’t a race. There’s no finish line that you have to cross in a certain timeframe.

Take a deep breath. Give yourself permission to take it slow. Allow yourself the space to process these new insights and emotions.

Self-awareness is a journey, not a destination, and it’s important to travel at a pace that feels right for you.

5) You’re noticing patterns in your behavior

Ever catch yourself reacting to a situation and think, “Wait, why did I do that?” Or maybe you’ve started to notice recurring themes in your interactions with others.

Perhaps you’re always the peacemaker in conflicts, or you tend to withdraw when things get tough.

Recognizing patterns in your behavior is a big step towards self-awareness. It’s like catching a glimpse of the subconscious scripts that direct your actions.

And while it can be confronting to realize that you’ve been running on autopilot in certain areas of your life, it’s also an opportunity for growth.

So next time you catch yourself falling into a familiar pattern, don’t beat yourself up. Instead, see it as a chance to understand yourself better and maybe even make some changes if needed.

After all, the first step to changing behavior is recognizing it, and you’re already there.

6) You’re starting to set boundaries

Picture this: a close friend of mine always had a hard time saying no. Whether it was taking on extra work, helping out friends, or attending social events, she was always the go-to person.

But over time, she realized this was causing her more stress than satisfaction.

As she became more self-aware, she started recognizing her need for personal space and time. She began to set boundaries and learnt to say no when necessary.

Initially, it was uncomfortable, and she feared disappointing people. But over time, she realized that setting boundaries was essential for her well-being.

Setting boundaries is a clear sign of self-awareness. It shows that you’re recognizing your needs and are willing to communicate them to others.

It’s not about being selfish; it’s about taking care of yourself so you can be there for others in a more meaningful way.

7) You’re making mistakes and owning them

Let’s face it, nobody likes to mess up. But the truth is, everyone does it. We all make mistakes. What separates the self-aware from the rest is the ability to own those mistakes.

If you’re finding yourself messing up and instead of playing the blame game, you’re taking responsibility, that’s a big deal. It shows you’re willing to acknowledge when you’ve been wrong, learn from it, and try to do better next time.

But here’s the kicker: you need to stop beating yourself up over these mistakes. They’re not failures; they’re lessons. They are opportunities for growth and self-improvement.

So, embrace them, learn from them, and move forward. That’s the real path to becoming more self-aware.

8) You’re practicing self-acceptance

At the end of the day, becoming more self-aware means coming face-to-face with all aspects of yourself – the good, the bad, and everything in between. It’s about understanding that you’re a work in progress and that’s perfectly okay.

Self-acceptance is the cornerstone of self-awareness.

It’s about acknowledging your strengths and celebrating them, but also recognizing your weaknesses without judgment. It’s about understanding that you’re human, you’re flawed, and yet, you are enough just as you are.

This journey may be challenging at times, but remember, it’s not about achieving perfection. It’s about continuous growth, understanding and accepting yourself a little more each day.

Be kind to yourself throughout this process. After all, self-awareness isn’t just about understanding who you are; it’s about loving who you are, too.

Conclusion

Becoming more self-aware is a journey that’s unique to each of us—and it’s all about what you personally experience and discover along the way.

This article was meant to guide you, to offer some reassurance that what you’re feeling and experiencing isn’t a sign of losing your sanity, but rather a sign of growing self-awareness.

But remember, this journey is yours to take. No one else can dictate your process or tell you what you should or shouldn’t feel.

Your journey to self-awareness is precious. It’s an investment in yourself, one that will pay off in understanding, acceptance, and self-love.

And here’s the most important part: be patient with yourself. This process takes time. It’s not about rushing to the finish line; it’s about appreciating the journey.

May this journey lead you towards a deeper understanding of yourself, and ultimately, towards a happier and more fulfilled life. Here’s to becoming more self-aware!

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Picture of Mia Zhang

Mia Zhang

Mia Zhang blends Eastern and Western perspectives in her approach to self-improvement. Her writing explores the intersection of cultural identity and personal growth. Mia encourages readers to embrace their unique backgrounds as a source of strength and inspiration in their life journeys.

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