Anxiety and self esteem

[lilykitten]

I seem to have panic attacks anytime I treat myself. I may be at the airport about to have a holiday, in a restaurant and a delicious meal has just been served or on a night out and I am the guest of honour....... suddenly I get very dizzy, nauseous and desperate to go to the loo. I always cope well in stressful situations so why do I get panic attacks when I should be enjoying myself. Do you think it has something to do with low self esteem?

[--Danny--]

Hi lilykitten, I'm the same, its like our brains wont let us accept the rewards/praise...I think it's definitely low self esteem...feeling ashamed & what ever you do isn't good enough??  It has to stem from somewhere...usually from people telling us how crap we are at everything..well, that's my case anyway...why do you suffer low self esteem? Guest of honours, traveling, it sounds like your kicking goals!! is it anxiety maybe? Let me know how you're doing lilykitten! 

Danny

[lilykitten]

I had one of those parents who would helpfully point out all the things I did wrong so I could be a better person. After seeing a therapist I can now realize she was doing it out of love but I never felt loved at the time. Now it is difficult to focus on anything other than negative comments and experiences.

[--Danny--]

I here what you're saying lilykitten..sometimes encouragement is also needed..it can't always be negative feedback...I try & distance myself from people who do that to me..I dont think its a good thing to do to children as they grow into adults & end up resenting there parents...at the end of the day, we are all humans & no one is perfect...we make mistakes...we don't need people negatively pointing out the things we do..hope your doing well lilykitten 😃

Danny

[AGrace]

Hi Lily,

Are you still seeing a therapist now? Have you been introduced to CBT therapy in the past? Unhooking from those difficult thoughts is challenging, but the negative thoughts have little or no benefit.

AGrace