Separating a parent's stress from my self-worth
I want to work on my self-esteem when my mom is stressed. When she gets overwhelmed or upset, it makes me feel down because I feel like it's my fault. I want to learn how to let her handle her stress without letting it ruin my own mood or make me feel like a bad person. I need help practicing how to remind myself that her stress is about her, not my worth.
I guess try to think of stress as just a normal thing, that everyone goes through. It's just part of life and you are not the cause of it.
People can be weighed down by it. You have your own responsibilities to deal with and process.
What you can do that, if you choose, is to notice anything small that you could ask if she needs help with, or offer some kind words or even a hug.
Telling someone we appreciate all that they do for us, or saying, I love approaching you for advice because you know so much, might just help with her mood, before she gets to that breaking point.
Just try and be kind to yourself, praise yourself or say, I'm taking responsibility and managing my day efficiently and I'm proud of myself for that...