Emotional Abuse

[minnieanddonald]

I've got quite a strange relationship with a parent. On the one hand there is a part of me that cares for him and another that is angry about things.

I've recently realised that all the family emotional abuse has still impacted on my confidence. I've been told I am stupid so many times that this has affected my confidence in a work situation and I feel so angry with myself.

I've come to realise that a lot of toxic things stem from this parent's rubbish parenting. I would like to sever all ties with family because they make me feel crap about myself but I am involved in helping this parent with things as they are elderly.

Any advice for dealing with all of this?

You've felt angry with yourself now allow yourself to realise the truth of the situation. You were never responsible for how the family abuse impacted on your confidence. What you are responsible for - and what you should congratulate yourself for - is how you've realised that your lack of confidence has absolutely zero to do with you as a person. You are an astute person and you are obviously a caring person as you are caring for someone despite his rubbish parenting. Carry on being caring.
You will obviously still experience symptoms as a result of being in your family's presence. Whenever anyone has a toxic effect on you, try to find a way to cancel that out. I would go for a run, but find what works for you.

Thank you for replying. That's good advice.