Experiencing two voices in your head and consistently following the "bad" one could be related to an internal conflict or a psychological phenomenon known as the "inner critic." Here are some possible explanations for this experience:
Inner critic: The "bad" voice you are referring to may be your inner critic. The inner critic is a part of our psyche that tends to be overly critical and judgmental. It often focuses on our perceived flaws, mistakes, or shortcomings. This critical voice can be loud and persistent, leading us to make choices driven by self-doubt or fear.
Cognitive dissonance: Cognitive dissonance occurs when there are conflicting thoughts or beliefs in our minds. In this case, the "good" voice may represent your rational or positive thoughts, while the "bad" voice could be the conflicting negative thoughts or self-doubt. When cognitive dissonance is present, individuals might find it challenging to reconcile the conflicting voices and may lean toward the negative one.
Low self-esteem: If you have low self-esteem, you might be more inclined to believe the negative voice over the positive one. Negative self-perceptions can lead to self-sabotaging behavior and difficulty in making decisions that align with self-care and well-being.
Past experiences and conditioning: Previous life experiences, especially traumatic ones or instances where you faced harsh criticism or negative reinforcement, could contribute to the development of an internalized critical voice. This internalization may lead you to follow the negative voice more readily.
Anxiety or depression: Mental health conditions like anxiety and depression can amplify negative thought patterns and influence decision-making. The negative voice might be a manifestation of these conditions.
Lack of self-compassion: If you lack self-compassion and have difficulty being kind to yourself, the critical voice may dominate, making it challenging to follow the more positive or rational voice.
It's important to recognize that everyone experiences inner dialogue and conflicting thoughts from time to time. However, if this internal conflict and following the "bad" voice are causing distress or interfering with your daily life, seeking support from a mental health professional can be beneficial. A therapist can help you explore the underlying causes of this internal conflict, develop coping strategies, and work towards building a healthier and more balanced thought process. They can also assist in improving self-esteem and fostering self-compassion to counter the impact of the critical voice. Remember that seeking help is a positive step towards personal growth and well-being.