I'm sorry to hear that you're going through this situation with your brother. Even though you recognize that you may be overreacting, it's completely understandable to feel anxious and sad when someone close to you consistently uses hurtful words. Words can have a powerful impact on our emotions and self-esteem.
Here are some strategies to help you cope with your brother's words and not let them affect you as much:
Recognize your feelings: It's important to acknowledge and validate your emotions. Understand that it's natural to feel hurt when someone you care about says hurtful things.
Consider his perspective: Try to understand why your brother might be behaving this way. Perhaps he's going through his own struggles, and his behavior might not necessarily be about you. This doesn't excuse his actions, but it might help you not take it so personally.
Set boundaries: Let your brother know how his words are affecting you and that you would appreciate it if he refrained from using hurtful language. Setting clear boundaries can help improve the situation.
Seek support: Talk to someone you trust about your feelings. This could be a friend, family member, or even a counselor or therapist. Sharing your emotions with someone supportive can help you process your feelings and gain valuable insights.
Practice self-compassion: Be kind to yourself. Remind yourself that nobody is perfect, and we all make mistakes. Don't let your brother's words define your self-worth.
Focus on your strengths: Concentrate on the things you're good at and the positive aspects of yourself. Recognizing your strengths can boost your self-esteem and make you more resilient to negative comments.
Engage in activities that make you happy: Doing things you enjoy can take your mind off negative thoughts and create a positive environment for you.
Consider his intentions: Sometimes people use hurtful words to get a reaction or attention. If you don't respond emotionally, they may stop doing it when they realize it's not having the desired effect.
Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness techniques can help you stay grounded in the present moment and avoid getting carried away by negative thoughts.
Be patient: Changing the way you react to hurtful comments takes time and effort. Be patient with yourself as you work on building resilience.
Remember, it's okay to feel hurt, but you don't have to let your brother's words define your worth. You have the power to choose how you respond and how much influence his words have on you. If the situation continues to escalate and affects your well-being significantly, don't hesitate to seek professional help or consider involving a trusted family member or mediator to address the issue constructively.