Made a discovery
When I first quit drinking I decided to reread a book called Learned Optimism. I discovered in reading this book that I have what the author calls A Pervasive Pessimistic Explanatory Style. In a nutshell this is that inner voice we all have. The author also goes on to provide techniques to overcome this problem.
I couldnt believe it when I was reading the ACA and they talk about this thing called an inner critic. They are the same thing! So, here I am I have been using these techniques in the book to help with my depression ( they do work) and yet I didnt fully understand why I had the voice. Only that I did. The author explains it comes from something he calls Learned Helplessness. Which despite his explanation I didnt quite understand. But, now that I can see it comes from the dysfunction in my childhood I totally get it.
I absoolutely recommend if you struggle with your inner critic please read Learned Optimism by Martin E P Seligman,PhD. His cbt is very helpful