[ImNotHere]

How do I stop projecting my problems on to others?

As a child I was emotionally neglected and now if I see someone even sort of neglecting their child in some way I lash out, become angry and can't think rationally. I just automatically assume the worst of them and believe they are also emotionally neglecting them, even if they aren't.

Again I can't get myself to think rationally in the moment, what can I do to stop projecting my problems on to other people?

I am not longer in therapy or on medication (haven't been for a year) because my insurance no longer covers mental health so getting psychological help is not an option. I am still trying to find a psychiatrist but no luck finding one that is affordable yet.

[barbella]

Well, in a way it seems you are trying to stand up for everyone who is suffering, children especially, because they are vulnerable (& it is your experience). That doesn't sound so bad to me. It does sound like you are unhappy with how you are doing that. Would it be possible to channel your drive in volunteering for an organization that helps children? Or maybe one that helps parents get better skills?
For right now, though, would it be helpful, when you see something triggering, to take a few deep breaths? Sometimes that gives me a bit of 'space' to try something different. Personally, I can't think when I am stressed - I just react. So maybe this could buy you some time so that you could remind yourself 'I don't know the whole story. Maybe there is more going on here than meets the eye. Whatever is happening, I want the very best for this child and their parent and for myself.' Hope that doesn't sound too 'out there'.
Sorry I don't have anything better/more than this right now. I hope others here will have some suggestions for you.

[ImNotHere]

Originally Posted by barbella

Well, in a way it seems you are trying to stand up for everyone who is suffering, children especially, because they are vulnerable (& it is your experience). That doesn't sound so bad to me. It does sound like you are unhappy with how you are doing that. Would it be possible to channel your drive in volunteering for an organization that helps children? Or maybe one that helps parents get better skills?
For right now, though, would it be helpful, when you see something triggering, to take a few deep breaths? Sometimes that gives me a bit of 'space' to try something different. Personally, I can't think when I am stressed - I just react. So maybe this could buy you some time so that you could remind yourself 'I don't know the whole story. Maybe there is more going on here than meets the eye. Whatever is happening, I want the very best for this child and their parent and for myself.' Hope that doesn't sound too 'out there'.
Sorry I don't have anything better/more than this right now. I hope others here will have some suggestions for you.

That is similar to what my old therapist said. She said that I seek justice for children because I don't want to see other people go through what I went through. The problem is I don't see things clearly like I said above, even if nothing is wrong the smallest thing will make me think otherwise. Some people do need to be called out and told they are doing wrong but it causes me great anxiety to even be around kids or think about kids. This is why I could never join a program to help kids, the whole thing would make me even more anxious and angry. I have tried breathing before but then I just hold everything in for a while and it explodes. I need to find a healthy way to release my feelings and it can't be by actually joining a group to help children, I am not mentally healthy enough for this.

[barbella]

Oh, OK, ImNotHere. Thank you for explaining a bit more. I guess I didn't understand what you have been going through.