Have you ever voiced an idea or offered to step up only to be met with a scoff or outright dismissal? If so, you know what it's like to feel minimized, and each time it happens, it becomes harder to put yourself out there.

Characters who have been shot down repeatedly may start to fear it will always happen when they speak out or try to add their ideas, so they stop doing so. This fear can lead to severe frustration (as the character feels stymied), as well as low self-worth.

Keeping to the background
Not speaking up or sharing ideas (unless forced to)
The character keeping their head down at work
Doing what they are told, even when they disagree with it
Not sharing passions, interests, or ideas for fear of being mocked
Not sharing achievements or personal good news
Avoiding people with big personalities and egos
Passing on ideas to others who will be taken seriously
Not wanting to talk about themselves; shifting the focus to someone else
Avoiding risky topics of conversation (to keep the status quo)
Not bidding on a job or applying for a promotion
Avoiding competitive situations
Not volunteering because they believe they won't be wanted
Making anonymous suggestions or feedback