The main reason that people continue to live with a victim mentality is that they blame themselves for the actions of those who victimize (or victimized) them. When they finally understand that those who abuse them are, for the most part, wired (genetically predisposed) to act in such a way, they can step out of this way of thinking – permanently.
‘Victim mentality’ is often associated with people who constantly blame other people, or situations for their lot in life. This definition ignores people who are legitimate victims. That is, they are, or have been, abused, or when they continue to experience the aftereffects of being mistreated (e.g. PTSD). If they simply can’t ‘get over it’, they are blamed for their state of being. They are often seen as responsible for the actions of their abusers: this is illogical and extremely harmful to them.
I have already written several articles about this phenomenon which I will list below. If you are stuck in the self-blame game, these articles may help to set you free.
New Age Victim Blaming (Victim Shaming 101)
Fake Guilt (Misplaced Responsibility)
Exploitation Explained: Know Your Worth
