Coming from a family with a strong work ethic and more than its share of over-achievers, I have felt “less than” on more than one occasion. After pondering this idea that one has to achieve a certain status, I have decided that it is probably not other people who have unrealistic expectations of me but only my own expectations.
How does one measure success? And where do you feel you are on this scale? People tend to measure themselves against other people in their lives: friends, family members, classmates. Even the most successful business person may feel they don’t measure up in other areas of life, especially if mental health treatment is necessary. Often the stigma of treatment can nullify all the good we feel we have accomplished.
I enjoy my career and my place in life, and I have had to tell myself that it shouldn’t matter what others think. What matters is what I think of myself, and I don’t need to be hard on myself. Life has been hard enough. After working through my depression and anxiety following my divorce, and repairing my credit after a business loss, I am proud of what I have accomplished in such a short time.
Then why do I sometimes still feel not good enough? Why do I tend not to seek help for myself when it’s needed? It is at these times that I have to be mindful of my own self-care and remember that recovery is life-long. There is nothing derogatory about struggling, if you continue to move forward and have realistic expectations.
