Shame typically comes up when you look inward with a critical eye and evaluate yourself harshly, often for things you have little control over. This negative self-evaluation often has its roots in messages you've received from others, especially during your childhood.

What is the origin of shame?

More specifically, shame may emerge from an evolved disease avoidance architecture. That is, shame may stem from the primary emotion of disgust being reflected on the self (i.e., perceiving the self as a source of contamination). If so, shame should be uniquely related to disgust and disease avoidant cognitions.

How do you overcome shame?

What do we need to do to overcome shame? The antidote to shame is vulnerability, kindness, and compassion. In a culture where vulnerability is perceived as a weakness, especially for men, it takes incredible courage to admit our pain, fear, and mistakes. Self-compassion gives us the courage to see things clearly.