Prompt: On overcoming self-hatred

Pen & Mend Journal Prompt (No. 67) [Borrowed From Blaise Aguirre]

Photo by Rirri on Unsplash

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A Gentle Note Before We Begin

This reflection explores self-hatred, a difficult and complex topic. While I don’t directly discuss suicide, self-harm, or suicidal ideation, I recognize that for some, these themes may surface. If this feels like too much for you right now, please take care of yourself in whatever way you need—whether that means stepping away, reading with support, or returning to it when you feel ready.

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“You weren’t born hating yourself.”

This quote comes from author and psychiatrist Blaise Aguirre, shared during a recent interview on Armchair Expert with Dax Shepherd in which he shares about his life’s work and new book, I Hate Myself: Overcome Self-Hatred and Realize Why You’re Wrong About You.¹

Self-hatred isn’t exactly a topic most of us would eagerly choose to sit with—and it’s something we’d all prefer not to experience. (Even as I type these words, I feel the sharp edge they can carry.) Self-hatred can be heavy, unsettling, and scary to name or talk about. But if you’ve ever felt it, you know how debilitating and deeply painful it can be.

What makes self-hatred even harder is the isolation—the way it urges us to hide, to keep it buried as a shameful secret. But I believe that bringing it into the light and engaging with it, especially through the thoughtful prompts Blaise Aguirre offers, can be a powerful step toward healing.