diff --git a/src/matrix_applicationbot/classes/bot.py b/src/matrix_applicationbot/classes/bot.py
index 8b35d6d..ee1a2ed 100644
--- a/src/matrix_applicationbot/classes/bot.py
+++ b/src/matrix_applicationbot/classes/bot.py
@@ -63,7 +63,7 @@ class ApplicationBot:
 
         if body and body.startswith("!supportbot"):
             await self.handle_command(room, sender, body)
-        elif body and body.startswith("!apply"):
+        elif body and body.startswith("!apply") and not sender == self.client.user_id:
             await self.process_application(room, sender, event)
         else:
             await self.relay_message(room, sender, event)
@@ -221,6 +221,8 @@ class ApplicationBot:
 
             # React to the message with approve, reject, and invite emojis
             if isinstance(sent_message, RoomMessageText):
+                logging.debug(f"Reacting to message {sent_message.event_id}")
+
                 await self.client.room_send(
                     room.room_id,
                     "m.reaction",