From an outsider’s perspective - you have it all together. You juggle so much and are seemingly crushing this whole “adulting” thing. But internally, you’re exhausted, yet somehow never quite feel like you’re doing or being enough. When others offer praise, there’s a disconnect - their words don’t sink in or simply don’t feel true. You dismiss or minimize their compliments, or perhaps respond with a self-deprecating comment.

After leaving an event, you find yourself replaying every interaction in your head on the drive home. You’re kept up at night thinking about that one thing you said 3 months ago. When you share your worries with others, they give you the (unhelpful) cliche responses of “you’re overthinking it” and “don’t worry so much”.

You put the needs of others before your own - feeling that sick-to-your-stomach guilt when saying “no”. You’re always the one that people rely on - but asking someone else for help is off the table.

You find yourself escaping in work, hobbies, relationships, (heck, sometimes even chores) to because sitting with your thoughts and feelings is too much.