I am a 28 year old mother of 3, who is about to turn 29 years old. I avoid looking in the mirror more than 2 times a week due to looking like I am older than I really am. I don't feel older, but everytime I look at myself in the mirror I feel like I look at least 35 or more. A lot of my problem is that my teeth are pretty messed up due to lack of care and problems with my pregnancy's and a bad dental visit. I love to smile, but I am ashamed to smile now because of how bad my teeth look. On top of that, I can see the creases and wrinkles in my face that even my mother did not have at 40+ due to stress of barely being able to make a life for my family.

I feel horrible because I bring a lot of my insecurities on my husband lately a lot, and he tells me constantly that I am beautiful, but I just don't feel it anymore. He is so wonderful, but I still burst into tears anytime he tells me this, or anytime I watch any of the make over shows because I wish that I could for even just one day feel beautiful again if not for my husband but for myself. I've never been a greedy person when it comes to my family, but I need this for myself. I've found myself going downhill in so many ways. More than I care to share on a message board, but please know, I really need this. I have three beautiful and wonderful children who depend on me everyday, and I want to continue to be there for them, but if something doesn't happen soon I'm not sure I'll be able to pull myself out of bed. It already feels hard enough now as it is.

Just as an added note: I have the most beautiful baby girl that I gave birth to almost a year ago. She is so full of life and so happy and she gives me so much to live for. I grew up hearing that I could not have a candy bar or soda because I was a bit overweight growing up. I finally grew out of this stage when I was in high school. A lot of my problem was that my mother had a weight problem and was very insecure her whole life. I don't want to be like that with my daughter. I don't have the problem my mother did, but I have others. I want to show my daughter that it isn't always what is on the outside, but what is inside but at the same time I need to feel somewhat confident in myself and when you are afraid to even smile or show yourself at the grocery store it's a bit hard. I want to be a good role model for her and my other children, but I need to feel happy with myself first.

Please, someone help me. I don't have a bunch of people to nominate me, but I really think I need this. I can send pictures to someone if it is needed.

Sorry for promoting my own thread but I can't edit.. I just wanted to add that it hurts a lot when my 6 and 5 year old ask me what's wrong with my teeth. All I can say to them is, 'Make sure you brush your teeth, because otherwise they end up badly like mommy's' and try not to cry.