Learning to Trust Yourself Again

Hello everyone,

July has turned out to be a full month, and I’ve been grateful for more opportunities to disconnect and take some time off. On a recent trip, I spent more time in nature and noticed myself feeling more present, grounded, and less anxious. It also brought back the nostalgia of summer camp and some of my favorite childhood memories like paddle boarding on a lake, sitting around a campfire making s’mores, and walking to get ice cream after dinner. I hope you’re enjoying your summer and finding moments to slow down and embrace the rest of the summer as we head into August!

All the best,

Mandy

MENTAL HEALTH CHECK-IN
Rebuilding Self-Trust

Do you find yourself doubting yourself, even though you’re more than qualified and capable? For many of us, self-doubt hides behind overthinking, over-preparing, or constantly seeking reassurance. Somewhere along the way, you may have learned not to fully trust yourself. When criticism is internalized, your brain’s fear response can become activated, leading you to second guess your judgment in an attempt to avoid mistakes or failure.

Sometimes self-doubt shows up as anxiety that makes even simple decisions feel overwhelming. Other times, it sounds like an inner voice questioning whether you’re “doing enough,” even when you’re already accomplishing so much.

However it shows up, self-doubt can keep the cycle going and make it difficult to tell the difference between anxiety and actually being unqualified. So, how do you start rebuilding self-trust?

• Validate your emotions: Get honest about what you're feeling. Name it, write it down, or talk it through. This can help uncover the beliefs and fears driving your self-doubt.

• Practice self-compassion: Speak to yourself the way you would speak to a friend or younger version of yourself. Remember that uncertainty is part of being human.

• Identify your strengths: Reflect on how far you've come, not just in what you've achieved, but in how you've shown up for yourself and others. Get specific about your strengths, accomplishments, and positive qualities.

• Take one small step: You don't need to feel 100% confident before you begin. Confidence is built through action, one imperfect, courageous step at a time.

• Release comparison: If you notice yourself feeling worse after scrolling social media or spending time in certain environments, pay attention. Set boundaries, take breaks, and curate your feed with content that inspires and supports you.

• Celebrate wins: Whether they're big or small, keep a record of your accomplishments and revisit them whenever self-doubt starts to creep in.

LISTEN
🎙️Healing from Parentification: When the “Gifted Child” Grows Up

In this episode of the Being Well podcast, Forrest Hanson and Dr. Rick Hanson explore why so many capable adults struggle to identify and honor their own wants and needs, and how to reclaim your authentic self after growing up in a parentified role.

The conversation is heavily influenced by psychologist Alice Miller's book, The Drama of the Gifted Child, and offers valuable insights into the lasting impact of parentification, emotional caregiving, and the journey toward authenticity. Listen here.

RESOURCES
Books

• The Drama of the Gifted Child by Alice Miller

• 14,000 Things to Be Happy About by Barbara Ann Kipfer

If you're in Maryland or DC and looking to discuss therapy options, you can find me at Mindful Therapy Collective.

Disclaimer: This content is for educational and entertainment purposes only and it is not a replacement for individualized therapy.