Even if we're not in a constant state of self-abuse, most of us are in the cycle of self-abuse. There are 4 basic stages in this self-abuse cycle:

The Build Up:
Emotions build up, anger, fear, apathy, neglect etc.
Mood swings
Minor incidents of constant emotional and mental self-flagellation
Disconnect from short term and long-term goals
Emotional, mental and physical tension becomes overwhelming

The Self Abuse Occurs:
Emotional
Mental
Physical

Reconcile/attempt to change for the "better":
Reconcile and promise ourselves we won't "do" that again, we promise to change
We blame circumstances, situations and others for what has happened
Or
We deny the abuse ever occurred or claim it was not as bad as it could be
We reward ourselves for changing or "stopping" the "abuse"

The Calm Before The Storm:
Everything seems on track and it is as if the abuse never happened
We return to the routine of our personal goals and the abuse is a thing of the past
Some of the promises we made to ourselves during our reconciliation are being kept
We feel the abuse is over and are convinced that we have changed for good..until the Build Up Begins again.

Remember.........