TeenHelp - Triggering: Self-Pressure

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- - Triggering: Self-Pressure (http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f31-why-me/t166153-self-pressure/)

I've always put a lot of pressure on myself to perform well in school and now in my work life. When I make small mistakes that can be fixed, I really stew over it and constantly tell myself that it could have been avoided. It's consuming me more now as I started a new job earlier this year as a classroom teacher and feel that I'm not performing as well as I should be, despite there be no negative feedback.
I have been trying to be kinder to myself but unfortunately, that doesn't work overnight. I also have looked at engaging in some self-care activities such as getting my nails done, getting a massage, etc but they are quite expensive, and I can't justify paying that kind of money on myself.
I am planning on going to the doctors to get a mental health referral to see a psychologist but this whole self-pressure has really taken its toll on me and I genuinely feel like shit because of it.

Re: Self-Pressure

Hello, whenever you are getting upset or stressed try to do something nice for yourself to help you to feel better. That can buy yourself a small gift or favorite drink. I wish you all the best with this and hope that you will be okay soon. :hug:

Re: Self-Pressure

Hey,

It definitely is hard to change this pattern overnight. Are there any sayings that help more than others, such as “I am human” or “This is a learning experience?” Maybe you can reflect on what happened, but not in a place of self criticism. You can write what happened, say you forgive yourself, and also what you learned.

Re: Self-Pressure

Thank you for your replies. :hug:

Even though I keep telling myself that I am human and mistakes are a part of life, that doesn't help either. I do reflect and know that it's a learning curve which does help a tiny bit of the frustration I feel when I do make an error.

I have made a doctor's appointment for the New Year so I'm hoping I can start getting some sort of strategies that will help in the long run.