Jacqueline Trumbull and Kibby McMahon
Jacqueline Trumbull and Kibby McMahon
Self-Pity: The Social Costs of Wallowing In Your Troubles
Self-Pity: The Social Costs of Wallowing In Your Troubles
Self-Pity: The Social Costs of Wallowing In Your Troubles
Wednesday 9th April 2025
Explore the social costs of self-pity with hosts Jacqueline Trumbull and Dr. Kibby McMahon. Learn how to support loved ones without losing your mind.
60 minutes
Informative
Compassionate
Supportive
Non-judgmental
Engaging
About this podcast
Author:
Jacqueline Trumbull and Kibby McMahon
Overview:
Categories:
Recovery from Trauma
Sobriety Toolkit
Healing Relationships
Navigating Intimate Relationships
Relationships & Community
Links:
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Episodes:
137 (View all)
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Episode Overview
- Self-pity is seen as excessive self-absorbed unhappiness over one's troubles.
- This behaviour can isolate people and frustrate those trying to support them.
- Understanding learned helplessness and the importance of agency in overcoming victimisation.
- Practical advice includes presenting clear choices and encouraging responsibility.
- Recognising one's own guilt and knowing when to step back from a draining relationship.
'Self-pity involves feeling alone and personally victimised by the world instead of realising that struggle is a shared human experience'
Ever found yourself wanting to scream when someone launches into their hundredth 'woe is me' monologue? In this episode of 'A Little Help For Our Friends', hosts Jacqueline Trumbull and Dr. Kibby McMahon tackle the prickly topic of self-pity. They dive into what makes self-pity so aggravating for loved ones - that toxic mix of helplessness, victim mentality, and emotional quicksand that seems to pull everyone down.
Unlike genuine sadness or grief, self-pity is seen as excessive self-absorbed unhappiness over one's troubles. Jacqueline and Kibby discuss how this behaviour can isolate people and frustrate those trying to support them. Kibby shares professional insights on breaking toxic cycles in relationships and how to support someone drowning in self-pity without losing your mind. They explore the idea of 'learned helplessness' and the importance of agency in overcoming feelings of victimisation.
Jacqueline adds personal anecdotes, including her experience with a friend stuck in a self-pity rut and how Kibby's advice helped her navigate that relationship. The episode isn't just about identifying the problem; it also offers practical advice. The hosts suggest ways to help those wallowing in self-pity, like presenting them with clear choices and encouraging them to take responsibility for their actions.
They also highlight the importance of understanding one's own guilt and recognising when it's time to step back from a draining relationship. If you're dealing with someone who's constantly feeling sorry for themselves, or if you find yourself slipping into self-pity, this episode is packed with useful tips and insights. So, why not give it a listen? You might find the perspective you need to handle this tricky emotional state.