How to rebuild self-esteem and self-belief
Hi,
My assault made me feel incredibly unheard, and now all most all my relationships I feel unheard, or I have anxiety that my vocal chords don't work. When people interrupt me or cut me off, I can have panic attacks.
I have never had a romantic relationship, and I'm a virgin. I'm very very anxious about starting a romantic relationship for the first time. I feel like maybe I should work on family and platonic ones for a while and try to be heard in those first before sex arghhhh. :( :(
-Nicki
@Daydreamer47 I understand and hear you that it is hard for you when you feel people around you sometimes don't listen or don't understand you. It as if you are trying to express something and it couldn't be communicate to another. It might be daunting to think of all the work you need to do to get comfortable with an intimate relationship, but I think you are on the right track. Sometimes it is best to work on it in small steps like talking to your friends and family until you are comfortable, then you can move to the next level/step. I think even talking to listeners here or find supportive friends will help you see that there are people who are willing hear you out so it can help ease your frustration.
@PacificSunrise yes i just made this exposure list.
Exposure therapy content list, i.e. personal things I want to share but am afraid too
1. I had peanut butter and jelly for lunch
2. Cats, cats, more cats. Here is a picture of my cat
3. Im applying to this job, etc. My major is this.
4. I think this celebrity is cute
5. Books I like, the alchemist, fledgling, etc.
6. Preschool story, creative writing and poems
7. Dreams about nature/conservation, saving the rainforest
8. Singing/karaoke
9. telling someone what they did was racist/sexist, etc.
10. telling someone they hurt me or their actions bother me.
11. telling someone I do not like the type of intimacy they are interested in i.e. I dont like when you touch my elbow that way.
12.. Sexual assault
13. Feelings about God, carbon cycles, Gods love ,my personal spirituality
@Daydreamer47 Thank you for sharing this list. I think all these things on the list are great because it's about expressing your thoughts and feelings. Although, it might not easy, I'll cheer you on in accomplishing all of those.
@PacificSunrise thanks!!! <3 <3
