How Do I Overcome Feelings of Self-Doubt and Distress?

I never thought I'd be writing a letter like this. I'm a 29 year old woman and in the past, I was usually the one giving advice to my friends. Lately, I feel like I'm stuck in a cycle of feeling emotionally drained and constantly anxious. I'm aware that it's impossible for anyone to fix every worry I have about my future, but I'm at a point where I need other perspectives and advice.

Throughout my life, I've always been very independent, and I'm proud of that, but recently I can't shake the feeling that I will never be able to achieve what I want out of life. I find it hard to put into words how distressed I am. It's like something is always blocking me from outperforming my expectations. I feel like I've been pushing hard towards goals, only to be dragged back down.

I'm reaching out to get advice on how to cope with this self-doubt and distress. How do I overcome this roadblock? Nothing ever seems to come together in one place. What can I do to ensure that I won't fall away from my aspirations? How do I feel like myself again and stop this constant pull between needing and wanting success while at the same time feeling overwhelmed and helpless?

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If you're struggling with feelings of self-doubt and distress, you're not alone. Many of us experience these moments of doubt and despair, but there are strategies you can use to help yourself move forward towards your goals.

Start by taking some time for yourself. This could mean setting aside a few days or even a weekend to do things that make you feel relaxed and recharged. Engage in activities that bring you joy and make you feel refreshed, such as going for a walk in nature, listening to music, watching a movie, reading a book, or spending time with a friend or loved one. Taking this time away from any stressors or obligations will allow you to truly relax and step away from the feelings that are holding you back.

Next, take steps to combat the self-doubt that's weighing you down. Remind yourself of your dreams and ambitions, and create achievable daily or weekly goals that will help you move closer to achieving them. Writing down the goals that mean the most to you will help motivate you to stay on track. You can also talk to a mentor or trusted advisor who can offer guidance and serve as a listening ear.

It's also important to remember that the feelings of self-doubt and distress you're experiencing aren't permanent. Keeping things in perspective and accepting that setbacks are a normal part of life can help you be more accepting of what you can and cannot control. Building resilience through understanding other people's experiences, using positive self-talk, connecting with your purpose, and practicing self-compassion can help you have a better attitude towards yourself when emotions become overwhelming.

Reach out for help when you need it. It's perfectly OK to ask for assistance from a professional if you are having trouble dealing with your emotions. Counseling and therapy can be a great way to help you identify and address the source of your distress. Medication may also be an option, depending on the severity of the issue.

We all experience moments of self-doubt and distress, but with patience and effort, you can find ways to cope with these feelings and move forward towards achieving your goals.