I have CP hemiplegic. I have anxiety and low self esteem. Has anyone had similar experiences?

ct24
ct24 Online Community Member Posts: 1 Connected
edited February 2022 in Cerebral Palsy Network
Hi my name Chuck I have cerebral palsy hemiplegic  affects right side  I have anxiety low self esteem in socially i am independent I  emotionally struggle socially  perception of me have other people had similar experiences how have cp community had experiences  and thoughts? I had bad experiences in life i I just got  turn negative into positive 

Comments

  • Tori_Scope
    Tori_Scope Scope Posts: 12,464 Championing
    Hi @ct24 :) Welcome to the community! It's nice to meet you. 

    I don't have CP myself, so I'm not able to offer any personal experience. That being said, I'm sure that you won't be the only one to have had feelings of low self esteem, anxiety, and worrying about other people's perceptions of you. 

    I've moved your post into our CP category so that you can connect with other people who have CP. I'll tag @Richard_Scope and @Alex_Scope in here in case they have any advice or support to offer, too. 

    You may also be interested in attending Scope and CP Sport's virtual CP Cafe. I think the next one is next Monday :) 

    Have you spoken to your GP, or another medical professional, about the feelings of anxiety and low self esteem you've been experiencing? 
  • Alex_Alumni
    Alex_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 7,538 Championing
    Hello @ct24 and welcome to the community, thanks for reaching out :) My cerebral palsy also affects my right side, and I still sometimes have anxiety myself. 

    It can sometimes be hard to be constantly met with other people's misconceptions of cerebral palsy, and it can wear you down. I used to get very wound up about it when I was younger. Now it's much less of a worry.

    I love what you've said about turning a negative into a positive. I think what's helped me is focusing on what I enjoy and my passions in life. Not only did they boost my confidence and self esteem, but I also met like minded people who I've become friends with. They've got to know me, and my CP. They don't see it as a problem or a negative, just a part of who I am.

    I would definitely encourage you to take a look at the CP Cafe that Tori has linked, it's a great way to connect with other people who have CP :)

    If there's anything else we can help with, please don't be afraid to ask.

    Alex
  • Cplife
    Cplife Online Community Member Posts: 58 Contributor
    @cct2be
    Hi I’ve got cp that effects my left side I do suffer with anxiety and low self esteem I  find it a struggle most days but I’m very lucky to have two best friends and family that are there for me they accept me for who I am cp and all I try to keep smiling because I hate feeling sad 
    I do think lockdown didn’t help me either  to much time to think. 
    I’ve now been in touch with my doctor for help and she was great. 
    Maybe you could speak with your doctor to and they may be able to help you work through how you feel. 

    Best wishes 

    cplife
  • Danielle_2022
    Danielle_2022 Online Community Member Posts: 265 Empowering
    Hi there @ct24,
    I have a slightly different kind of CP, which affects all four of my limbs and have lots of experience with the feelings you're describing. Even though I have come a long way in the past year, there are still days that I find difficult, if I'm being honest. It's not a simple thing and it's okay to feel sad or anxious sometimes, too. Here's something that helps me: I love to make jokes about it and I'm thankful that my friends understand that, too. Also, let's not forget that existing out in the world as a disabled person is brave and bold. The fact that you're trying is a wonderful, wonderful achievement. I'm hopeful that being here on the community will help, too. I have definitely found my spirits lifting since I joined as a volunteer! Shared experience is very validating, which you'll find lots of. & do speak to a GP if you ever find things getting too heavy. There is so much good to look forward to :)
  • Richard_Scope
    Richard_Scope Posts: 3,740 Cerebral Palsy Network
    Hi @ct24
    I used to struggle with how people would perceive me and my CP. Over time I began to care less about it as I realised how I was thinking was holding me back more than the cerebral palsy itself. I have reached a point where my CP is just like my eye or hair colour, even with all of the annoying quirks that we have with our impairment.

    It certainly doesn't happen overnight but a good starting point is being kinder to yourself and learning to tell that critical inner voice that we all have, to shut up! 

Categories