Anxiety and low self esteme

[NorthernRC]

I've been working on the idea that part of my anxiety issues maybe related to low self esteem. I grew up with a brother who is downs system and was constantly in need of attention and had to deal with other people who teased me about it when I was growing up. Most of my adult relationships have involved women who belittle me and treat me disrespectfully. I've had anxiety disorders most of my life but it really started getting bad after I started having children of my own. I'd like to here from others who might have low self esteem and think it may have contributed to there anxiety disorder.

[jerryilliniwek]

NorthernRC,
I can relate to that.  In my family, I was put down a lot, and I was teased a lot at school for various reasons.  I've read a lot about anxiety disorders, and it is still not agreed whether it is hereditary or environmentally caused.  Three out of four of my natural siblings have anxiety or something similar, so I tend to think that we have a hereditary tendency.  It may be that with a well-adjusted childhood that tendency would have stayed dormant, but instead was fed by internalizing all the frustration and anger with being treated poorly. 
I've also found that journaling that includes positive thinking and reinforcement for my self-worth is valuable for me, and tends to increase my self confidence and thus hold off anxiety related to a fear of failure, or lack of acceptance socially.

Thanks for the idea,
JerryIlliniwek

[Smokey]

I agree to a certain extent. I think your low self esteem can exagerated anxiety, but I don't think it would cause severe anxiety.

I have been trying to boost my confidence, but it is tough and I am not sure if it is effecting my anxiety.