OK, so you’re nodding along to a lot of the above signs. Now what? Elliott shares some tips to help you climb out of this hole.

Give space for suppressed emotions to surface

“Self-destructive behaviours can be triggered by previous experiences of loss, anger, fear or sadness that we have suppressed and buried deep, instead of confronting,” Elliott explains. “These suppressed emotions may resurface in the form of seemingly erratic behaviour, lashing out as your mind’s way of self-preservation.

“As uncomfortable as it may feel, you must allow these emotions to surface and allow yourself to observe and experience them without getting too wrapped up in them or letting them dictate your actions. Acknowledge the old emotions and thoughts as they pass through you as how you once felt, and then let them go.”

Warning signs you’re in self-destruct mode, and how to get out of it