How can I build self confidence and be able to let go of problems?

Hi Erica,

Thank you for reaching out. Living with a mother-in-law is a lot of stress to put on a new marriage. I hope that you can get your husband to understand and appreciate your point of view, even if it does not completely go along with his own. You can not control if your mother-in-law respects you, but you can control how you approach the situation and set clear and defined boundaries within your household. 

In living with both your husband and mother-in-law, it's important for you to continue to have a voice and feel that you are being heard. Communicating with clear statements about your feelings and wants, how you are being affected by your environment and your own goals will help establish your boundaries in the house and make clear how you are being impacted. Clear and open communication with your family will be beneficial to you. They may not agree with you, but at least you can feel as if you found your voice and communicated your thoughts and feelings. 

I am sorry to hear that this has all taken a toll on your mental health. While there may not be a defined way to build self-confidence, I would aim to focus on gratitudes and "good things" in your life. If you can appreciate the positive in each day, it can help to change your mindset and make you approach situations from a different perspective.

I like to try to identify three positive things that have happened at the end of each day. These can be small, like having an enjoyable lunch or taking a walk. But no matter what they are, being able to identify positive aspects of your day helps your mindset and approach to your overall point of view.

This change in outlook can help your mood, and I believe that you can then address your problems in a more effective manner. I would also look at your "core beliefs", which are the ways that we all view ourselves. If you can challenge any negative core beliefs, it can help in changing your outlook and building confidence. 

Good luck to you!