people being nice makes me feel anxious

[GeorgieTheGorgeousGoat]

I’m an anxious person anyway, trying to live with GAD.

But something I’ve noticed is people being nice to me makes me feel so weird.

Today someone made an absolutely awesome financial gesture to my family. It’s not a huge amount of money but means a lot to me and certainly makes a difference. We couldn’t afford for our child to take part in something and they’ve generously paid for her and won’t be paid back.

I feel weak and silly and anxious and stressed. I’m truly grateful and will take it in the spirit it’s intended but I feel so pathetic.

You're probably just overthinking their intentions or, due to your anxiety, feel as though you do not deserve something as lovely as that. I assure you it's probably normal to have these feelings of stress, especially in your scenario where you're receiving such a fantastic gift... :]

Do not feel bad for something that is most likely out of your control. I do not think anyone chooses to have anxiety. The best thing you can do, perhaps, is to try and assure yourself that you are deserving of good things and that you aren't burdening anyone or pressuring them into being nice to you, if that makes sense.

Self esteem. Its because deep down you dont feel worthy of it so it makes you uncomfortable. Plus, GAD is often about worrying excessively about what others think of you which is also connected to low self esteem. Let me guess- you also hate having your photo taken and being given compliments?
I really recommend the book "not nice- stop people pleasing". I think it would help you a lot with feeling that you aren't worthy or feeling guilt and anxiety whenever anyone does anything nice for you.

I’d always thought I had good self esteem. I agree I don’t like my photo being taken but that’s because I’m not very photogenic!

I have to see this person today and I don’t know how to act? Do I thank them again? Do I leave it be now? I’m so stressed!