What's the secret to self esteem?

[topcat2014]

I ought to be perfectly happy, DC off to uni. Married 20+ years. Working FT.

But, feeling really flat.

50+, lost a job earlier this year. Find I'm getting too worried about all the wars.

I think my thoughts are a bit like "you've had your turn, best days are behind you"..

Given up a few hobbies to make some space. It was the right time.

Struggling to look forward.

Do you have some good girl friends? Call them and organise a lazy brunch and a few glasses of wine.

failing that, enrol in a language course in France, Italy or Spain…

I don't feel the content of your post matches your title.

I get that..I was trying not to over exaggerate and say I was depressed, as I didn't want to minimise medical issues. Maybe it's a loss of confidence, not sure!

Sounds like the menopause…..you’re the right age.

I get that..I was trying not to over exaggerate and say I was depressed, as I didn't want to minimise medical issues. Maybe it's a loss of confidence, not sure!

I think I understand. Perhaps you could say you're feeling really flat? I feel similar, just a crushing despair about all the terrible, unfair things that are going on in the world. I keep thinking of the 20000 Ukrainian children stolen from their families and lost in Russia. How do we ever come to terms with that? Or the plight of women in Afghanistan. Again, nothing we can do about that. Or women and children being raped in wars. It's awful and yet I go about my day as if it's not happening, complaining about the lack of parking or the price of avocados.

It could be perimenopause (I'm finding it's giving me anxiety too - I wake up in the night worrying about things that seem so much better in the morning).

Could it be empty nest syndrome?

i believe and live for me. i try to help and do good and improve myself

Thanks all. Appreciated

Decent upbringing
good relationships and friendships
positive work and life experiences
decent hormone levels /health