Anxiety/low self esteem

[Worrywart70]

Hello. I’m not too sure why I’m posting here but I wondered if anyone felt the same. I have always worried but since having my son it has for worse. I’m always worrying if he’s ok, I don’t have any self esteem, I feel like I’m ugly, always in the way. I take him to soft play & feel awkward & uncomfortable. I continually worry about my parents & their health as they get older. I’ve always been shy but I adore my family and my son is my world. Would you say this is anxiety/social anxiety or normal worries that parents tend to have? 🤷🏼‍♀️

Hi, I found your post while searching threads on low self esteem and see no one replied.
So I wanted to say Hi and I hope your ok.

What you've written could be normal but it depends on the severity. Like do you feel your worried are holding you back? If they are then it could be an issue.
It's totally normal to have more things to worry about as we get older and especially since having children but if shouldn't be negatively impacting your life.

Hi OP. That sounds fairly normal (but not natural or inevitable!) to me, considering the objectifying and sexist culture we women live in and how our value is measured on our looks and ability to care for others, and how being a mum can be isolating and hard.

Instagram makes me instantly feel more self conscious and worried about my weight and looks - could you cut that down if you use it? And have you considered therapy in case there are some niggling issues or self-beliefs that would make you feel lighter and freer if you understood? (Honestly think good therapy is the best investment in my life I've ever made - gave me more willpower, confidence, and freedom than I thought possible). Would advise therapy rather than counselling and think it's worth paying more for a good one. If not, try and do a Yoga with Adriene 30 day challenge -would love to know how you feel after that, it was transformative for me!

Good luck OP

Because people who don’t have low self esteem don’t ever think of these things. They’re concentrating on their child, other people (but in a way relating to them in any negative way ie what does she think of me) and generally having a good time

Hi ladies. Thanks so much for your replies. I didn’t realise anyone had answered. I don’t think it impacts my life as in I’ll still do things, but I’ll dread them!
Some really helpful advice thanks. Will definitely look into it.
Its funny really, having low self esteem makes you feel like everyone is watching your every move which is quite self indulgent really 🤣

It sounds like Social Anxiety to me with some regular anxiety and self esteem issues thrown in.
I'd start reading lots of books and websites and get some therapy if you can afford it. Psychotherapy rather than CBT.

@NightNite Thank you. I’ve found someone nearby that does this type of counselling. I appreciate the advice.