Feeling alone

[Kittykat55]

I have felt “different” for most of my life. I have a good life now, but I’ve been through the valleys and peaks of depression. Even when things are going well, there is still a little voice inside me that says, “You will never measure up to others.” I believe that everyone is equal; yet, it somehow doesn’t apply to me. I know I need to reorganize my thinking! I do journal sometimes, which helps, just to get it out. I exercise, but I need to do a better job of taking care of myself mentally. I have a therapist, and I take my medication. The little voice, however, sometimes still lurks.

[Hidden]

KK55 < like that. You OK, Me Too, heard that voice in my head. Realized, hey, that me! I can make this clown say whatever I want! Need to put ‘‘em together. Now I’m cooking’! Head’s a lot better & so is the rest of me, *dn*dn*, for now. Gotta say, waiting for that shoe to drop! Just a little tidbit to chew on

[Kittykat55 in reply to Hidden]

Glad to hear that you are feeling better!

[Hidden in reply to Kittykat55]

You will too KK55

[Kittykat55 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you 😊

[Gillyflower18]

You might want to read the book Running on Empty. What you’re talking about is one of the major symptoms of Emotional Neglect.

[lola568]

I second Gillyflowers response. It may be childhood emotional neglect. I haven't read the book myself but someone recently linked me to the author's website which has other resources aswell about childhood emotional neglect.

[Dad_trying_to_help]

I'm so sorry you feel that way. My child is 12 and has those same thoughts. It's very hard to help them because they refuse to believe they have self-worth. The more I insist they are important and wonderful, the more they fight me and claim the opposite. I need to figure out a better way. I hope I do.

[Gillyflower18 in reply to Dad_trying_to_help]

This is pretty common for kids especially girls at this age. It’s the opinions of people in their own age group that count. Just be there for her. I’d casually try to find out where she is hearing that she doesn’t measure up. Knowing that might help you too. Kids can be ratty at that age!

[Kittykat55 in reply to Dad_trying_to_help]

That is so difficult. My oldest son has had some emotional difficulties. I could tell him he was awesome until I was blue in the face, but there were other things at play (definitely the opinion of peers, for one). He is almost 18 and has not spoken to me in a year because he is angry. I won’t go into that big long story, but I try to think positive about us reconnecting soon. I think he will come around. I have made amends to him in every way I know how. Recently, he sent me a text that explained that he had some mental health issues to solve, and he needs time. I respect that, but it’s hard for me right now.

[RemySue]

Definitely right there with you.

[Kittykat55 in reply to RemySue]

Thank you! It’s great to know there are people who can relate. How are you doing / are you okay?

[RemySue in reply to Kittykat55]

Good days then bad days. Been on the rollercoaster lately. I'm doing all the right things and know this will pass. I keep trying to talk to myself the way I would talk to someone else feeling this way. The link to childhood neglect is probably very true in my case-something I'm going to think about.