When you doubt yourself and lack confidence, you may assume others are constantly judging you.
Social Anxiety: People with social anxiety often have a heightened sense of being observed and judged negatively by others. This perception can lead to feelings of being "lame" or inadequate, even if there's no concrete evidence to support it.
Paranoia: Paranoia is a condition where an individual has irrational suspicions and beliefs that others are plotting against or negatively evaluating them. In this case, you may be experiencing paranoid thoughts about someone being in your brain and disapproving of you.
Cognitive Biases: Our minds can sometimes fall victim to cognitive biases, like the spotlight effect, where we believe others are paying more attention to us than they actually are. This bias can contribute to the sensation that others know what you're thinking and see you negatively.
Past Experiences: Past experiences of judgment or criticism from others can influence how you perceive current situations, leading to a heightened sensitivity to potential negative judgments.
Low Self-Esteem: Struggling with low self-esteem can make it challenging to accept positive evaluations from others and focus solely on perceived negative judgments.
It's important to recognize that such feelings are not based on reality but are influenced by our thoughts and emotions. If these feelings are causing significant distress or interfering with your daily life, it may be beneficial to seek support from a mental health professional. A therapist or counselor can help you explore these feelings further, identify underlying causes, and develop coping strategies to manage them effectively. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and you don't have to navigate these emotions alone.