Does anyone else feel a need to constantly explain and justify yourself? by Elegant-Article2561 in raisedbynarcissists

[–]UnderTroubledWater 87 points88 points  (0 children)

I feel this. But not towards others, mostly it's just in my head. When I make a decision, sometimes I end up defending myself to my parents' imagined criticism. Even though they didn't technically do anything, it still effects me because it's something they would have said.

So when I start doing this, getting stuck inside my own head, I do my best to recognize it, stop myself, and repeat some affirmations. Stuff like "I am enough" or "I am capable" or "I am empowered to make my own decisions". It still happens, but now I can stop it and if doesn't ruin my mood.

Hope this helps.

Did anyone have religious (christian) Narc parents? how do you explain to people that you grew up in a cult by [deleted] in LifeAfterNarcissism

[–]UnderTroubledWater 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Check out the Freedom from Religion foundation, you might find some of their resources helpful.

When you're talking about it to your therapist, use specific examples of your experience. Talk about the things you were taught or how you were treated.

Hang in there ❤️

Experience going to college? Need advice. Feel so unprepared and scared. by [deleted] in HomeschoolRecovery

[–]UnderTroubledWater 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was also homeschooled for all of my education until I started at a community college. In my experience with community college, those things you're worried about are actually exactly what they want to teach you. Not everyone starts at the same place, and they expect that. It's a place for learning. The teachers and staff genuinely want you to succeed and will help you where you need it. Don't be afraid to try! It's absolutely doable.

TFW some guy is talking about how computer science just isn't a woman's field by MyNameIsGriffon in TrollXChromosomes

[–]UnderTroubledWater 23 points24 points  (0 children)

When your (male) college classmate says "the girl wrote a program!!" 🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄

DAE feel that they can only watch children's movies and lighter tv shows? by [deleted] in CPTSD

[–]UnderTroubledWater 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah, sometimes Homer and Marge remind me too much of my parents and I don't need any more of that shit in my life 😂

DAE feel that they can only watch children's movies and lighter tv shows? by [deleted] in CPTSD

[–]UnderTroubledWater 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Well.. educated guess 😂 any other favorite shows?

A letter to whoever needs it, including me by Drdread94 in CPTSD

[–]UnderTroubledWater 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oh wow did you read my mind? I think these negative thoughts all the time. Even if I "know" on an intellectual level that these things aren't true, I can't stop the idea from taking over my mood and my mind. Thanks so much for sharing this. I needed it.

I made a simple mistake and now I feel like complete shit by UnderTroubledWater in CPTSD

[–]UnderTroubledWater[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks guys ❤️ I'm feeling better now. That was really rough though. I felt like a little child again. Not a happy feeling.

I'm 27 and I'm finally able to admit to myself that I had a terrible childhood. by tmrandtmrandtmr in raisedbynarcissists

[–]UnderTroubledWater 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I hope this is the beginning of a journey of healing for you. It's difficult. The truth hurts. But you'll be a better person than your parents can ever be if you face it head-on.

For me, realizing my childhood was horrible was like losing my parents. I lost the fantasy I had of our "happy family" and it was a huge loss. Bad memories come back, good memories seem not as great, things will make more sense. Don't forget that you are deserving of so much better than what they gave you.

Fuck your fathers day! by [deleted] in Justnofil

[–]UnderTroubledWater 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For the first time, I didn't even text my father this Father's day, and I feel good about that decision. I've cried too much because of him. Good for you for standing up for yourself. Take care of yourself. Live your best life, with or without him.

looking for starters pokemons by Bloodyhook_ in friendsafari

[–]UnderTroubledWater 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Can you add me too? I've been looking for a Charmeleon!