Navigating Self-Worth, Mental Health, and the Art of Setting Boundaries
Overview
Have you ever questioned your self-worth? I've been there, locked in a battle with childhood trauma and feelings of inadequacy, with my mental health at stake. In today's episode, I share my journey through these challenges, and how my faith, love, and a positive mindset have been instrumental in my healing process.
What you'll learn in this episode:
00:00 | Intro
03:00 | My personal experience with anxiety and antidepressants
04:41 | Importance of self-worth and faith
05:59 | Childhood traumas
11:03 | Seeking validation through achievements
12:46 | Being a people pleaser and losing oneself in that
15:07 | Postpartum anxiety and depression
17:32 | The importance of counseling and therapy
19:25 | Setting boundaries and protecting personal energy
23:20 | Letting go of control and focusing on self
28:52 | Recommendations for resources
29:35 | You are loved and enough
Resources:
Counseling: Rock House Center
Almost 30 Podcast
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
Dear Gabby Podcast
Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational purposes only and is not to be taken as medical advice.
This episode is not sponsored. Product links may contain affiliate links that are eligible for a small commission.
The Journey to Self-Worth: Overcoming Mom Guilt
Welcome to the Mom Guilt podcast. I'm your host, Vanna, a dermatology nurse practitioner turned wellness enthusiast. In this episode, we're going to dive deep into the topic of self-worth and how it relates to the experience of mom guilt. I'll be sharing my personal journey and the tools and systems I've used to overcome these challenges. So grab a cup of tea, sit back, and let's explore the transformative power of self-worth in motherhood.
Understanding the Impact of Self-Worth
Self-worth is a fundamental aspect of our mental and emotional well-being. It shapes how we perceive ourselves and how we navigate the world around us. For many mothers, the journey to self-worth can be a challenging one, often accompanied by feelings of guilt and inadequacy. As Vanna shares, "I wrestle with my worth, and it's gotten a lot better over time."
Uncovering Childhood Traumas
One of the key factors that can influence our self-worth is our childhood experiences. Vanna opens up about her own journey, revealing that she has never met her biological father. While she has a loving and supportive father figure in her life, the absence of her biological father has left a subconscious belief that she is not enough. "I felt like I wasn't good enough for him to want me," she shares.
The Power of Validation
Validation plays a significant role in shaping our self-worth. Vanna recalls moments in her childhood where she felt overlooked or pushed aside, leading her to seek validation through achievements and accomplishments. "I saw my value in being recognized through my works," she explains. This pattern of seeking external validation can become a burden, as it places the responsibility of self-worth on others.
The Impact of Expectations
Societal expectations and the pressure to meet certain standards can also contribute to feelings of inadequacy. Vanna shares her experience of being asked when she would pursue medical school and become a doctor, despite already being a successful nurse practitioner. These external expectations can undermine our sense of self-worth and lead to a constant need to prove ourselves.
The Breaking Point: Postpartum Depression and Anxiety
The accumulation of these factors can take a toll on our mental health, leading to conditions such as postpartum depression and anxiety. Vanna opens up about her own struggle with postpartum anxiety and depression, which pushed her to seek medication and professional help. "I had to do the work to figure all of this out," she emphasizes.
The Journey to Healing: Counseling and Boundaries
Vanna highlights the importance of seeking professional help and doing the necessary work to heal and grow. She shares her experience with counseling, specifically a faith-based program called Rockhouse, which helped her uncover and address her childhood traumas. "Counseling changed my life," she affirms.
Setting boundaries is another crucial aspect of the healing process. Vanna emphasizes the need to protect our energy and surround ourselves with positive influences. She shares her practice of putting her phone on "do not disturb" and establishing boundaries around her time and availability. "You have to realize that when you are texting someone or contacting someone, you are coming into their space and their time," she explains.
Embracing Self-Control and Letting Go
Learning to let go of control and focusing on self-control is a vital step in the journey to self-worth. Vanna encourages listeners to recognize that they can only control themselves and their emotions. "You can only control you and your emotions," she asserts. This shift in mindset allows for greater self-acceptance and the ability to navigate life's challenges with grace and resilience.
The Power of Positive Energy
Surrounding ourselves with positive energy and cultivating a positive mindset is essential for nurturing self-worth. Vanna shares her practice of protecting her energy and choosing to be around people who uplift and inspire her. "I only want to be around people that I feel filled up every time I leave them," she says.
The Path Forward: Embracing Self-Love and Growth
In conclusion, Vanna reminds us that we are all loved and worthy just as we are. She encourages listeners to embrace self-love and prioritize their own well-being. "Take what you need from this and nothing more," she advises. The journey to self-worth is ongoing, but with self-acceptance, boundaries, and a positive mindset, we can navigate motherhood and life with greater freedom and joy.
As we continue on our individual journeys, let's remember that self-worth is not something to be earned or proven. It is inherent within us, waiting to be recognized and embraced. By doing the work, seeking support, and surrounding ourselves with positivity, we can overcome mom guilt and create a life filled with love, purpose, and fulfillment.
Remember, you are enough. You are loved. And together, we can support and uplift one another on this beautiful journey of motherhood.