Many people in victim mode have trouble taking responsibility for things that happen to them and often see everything as someone else’s fault. They blame others for their problems, feel powerless to change their circumstances and have a hard time making decisions. They may have a negative impact on their colleagues, family members and community.
For example, a person with victim mentality might blame their current job situation on their boss, coworkers or the economy instead of themselves. They may complain about their traumatic past or how unfair life is. They tend to feel passive and powerless and lack self-esteem and confidence. Their relationships with others suffer because they don’t take risks or show vulnerability. They have a hard time trusting others and they can stifle productivity in their work environment.
People who are self-victimized can have a difficult time building strong, healthy relationships with other people because they’re constantly looking for sympathy and attention. They might also avoid taking risks or getting out of their comfort zone which can lead to a stale, stagnant lifestyle. They might get a lot of sympathetic feedback and empathy from other people at first but these feelings can start to turn against them in the long run.
Some people find it rewarding to be a victim because they can absolve themselves of any blame or responsibility and they’ll receive lots of inner validation from other people. They can also feel a sense of power and control by blaming their problems on other people or circumstances.