Hi Catherine and welcome to BB! I hope you find help and support here!
I'm wondering from your question if you grew up as I did at a time when discipline for children was strict and "seen but not heard" mean that kids could never speak up for themselves and were not permitted to express their opinions about things or in any way disagree with their parents? Because that's how I was brought up!
It took me quite honestly until I was about 30 years old to be able to express an opinion or stand up for myself. I had very little self confidence.
I did improve as I matured and had some assistance from a psychologist. I gradually became more confident. It was quite a journey though. I'm still not very assertive and sometimes wish I was better at standing up for myself. I'm not good with public speaking.
Are there specific things or occasions where you feel unable to express yourself? I was quite socially anxious for a long time but rarely am now. I just wish I had been able to be more assertive when I was younger.
Practice helps and learning to be less critical of yourself. Are there particular circumstances where your lack of confidence is affecting you?
I think you will find people here will be in touch to help you. Can you give us a little more detail about your situation?
Cheers! I hope we can give you some ideas here that might be of help. 🙂
