[almondjoy]

I saw my pdoc today and he addressed how I constantly invalidate myself and even invalidate my feelings, which he thinks is really concerning and is having an impact on the condition I already have.

I think there are a couple of reasons I do this.

Firstly, when I was younger, I was dismissed by my father (example: he told me I was 'attention seeking' when he found out I'd been self-harming) and was dismissed by others, so I hid my feelings and began thinking I couldn't be real about them/that they'd be dismissed.

Secondly, because over the years in my euphoric episodes I have done and said things that are embarrassing and I regret, once I was back to reality or had hit a low, I would dwell on it. I'd beat myself up about it and it eventually robbed me of my confidence. I think it's gotten to the point it's just ingrained in my mind that I'm not taken (or worth being taken) seriously by others, so I invalidate myself no matter what the situation. I'm only just realising now that this is my thought pattern. It's bad.....

Is anyone/has anyone experienced this and/or have any good suggestions?

I know it's a personal journey, and pdoc has given me tools and wants me to really work on making a conscious effort to get this in check. It's definitely a hindrance and I think it's a HUGE part of my recovery!

[glok]

Hello, almondjoy.

Self-Validation: What Do You Do? | The Emotionally Sensitive Person
Self-Validation - How to Validate Yourself
5 Ways to Validate Yourself: Be Part of Your Support System

I wish you well.

[buzz bee]

I know that feeling so well. I think, "why didnt anyone laugh, that was stinking funny" and then I would feel stupid. I go through everything you described. I do think its bipolar thing. Or is it a human thing? Anyway, I hate that feeling, bluh.

I was also raised that self importants and self love was and is a sin. My dad would say I was vain, which is another bipolar thing, but maybe it was just a healthy self esteem? Now I feel invalid about myself.

So how you are feeling is normal for your situation. So easy to give the bad and not the good. Sadly its human nature. They don't feel good about themselves and lash out at people (mainly the ones they love the most (sadly)) to make themselves feel better.

[wildflowerchild25]

I struggle constantly with invalidating myself. Especially when I'm having a hard time. I constantly tell myself I'm just being a baby or in just making it up or I'm just being dramatic. It comes from my childhood for sure, from being emotionally neglected. I DID make up injuries and illnesses for a long time bc that was the only way to get attention from anyone so when I became a teenager and got depressed I just thought I was doing the same thing, especially bc so many people hVe such worse lives than me. I feel like I have no right to feel so crappy you know?

I have no advice but wanted to let you know you're not alone in the struggle.