A person with a Victim mentality has a woe is me mindset and feels their life is unfair, blames other people for their problems and never takes responsibility for their successes or failures. Their pessimism and lack of self-efficacy can impact productivity, morale and strong relationships in their ecosystem.

Victims often play the victim card to get sympathy or attention for their problems and may even lie about their situation. Their constant whining, blaming others or playing the role of a victim can be contagious and cause those around them to become victimizers too. This can lead to a toxic work environment and a breakdown of trust.

In fact, some victims are so adept at using their victim card that they are able to fake it to attain status and benefits. For example, a person who constantly plays the victim card may use their problem-solving skills to win a competition, such as a coin flip, by telling a lie or cheating to get the prize. This kind of behavior can lead to a personality trait called Machiavellianism, wherein the desire for power or wealth outweighs a sense of morality.

Breaking free from a victim mentality is not easy and requires consistent effort and self-awareness. However, it is possible to stop playing the victim card and replace it with a survivor mentality. Survivors don’t just endure life, they shape it. Identifying the signs of a victim mentality, challenging negative thought patterns and taking gradual responsibility for one’s responses are essential to breaking free from this pattern.