On self-pity

The BMJ editor Richard Smith is admittedly getting more reflective as his term gets over. He talks this week about the ills of self-pity. Whining and griping about things are a great way to let off steam, but if it affects our ability to work, it can create tremendous problems.

There are many opportunities in India especially to slide into a negative feeback cycle of self-pity. Right from the way our utilities work and quality of life, to problems with getting anything done from the authorities, to problems at work, with practice, with colleagues, at home...anything can be the straw that breaks the back and starts the downward spiral.

The worst thing is that it only destroys and consumes the person, never the reasons/targets of the self-pity.