Self Esteem issues *long kind of*

[caije]

Ive spent a while thinking about how to word this in a way for anyone else to understand lol... but ill just try my best.
Anyways, so i know that i have a low self esteem... but every single day of my life at some point or another i find myself depressed about my image/self. Whether it be triggered by other people on tv, on streets etc, whether it be something i read... just anything. I always feel i have to perfect everything in order for people to find me attractive and a stupid thing is it happens when im with my bf. If he even remotely looks at a girl, i immediately think that he finds her more attractive and i get defensive and depressed. I have no idea what it is, i never used to be like this, now it controls a lot of my life. I feel i always have something to prove. Happens if i get low marks in tests and my friends get higher... just all things like that, it immediately triggers an overwhelming sensation of negative thoughts and self perception. Does anyone else feel like this?

I really don't know what my purpose was for this post, sorry and sorry for it being long.

[caije]

ive tried many things like that...but its so hard to think positive things when your in a negative state. no matter how many compliments everyday i get i just can't believe them, often i just think they are only saying it to make me feel better or something. i just can't believe other people's compliments if i don't see them for myself

[caije]

i was thinking of going to see my counselor about it... i just haven't had time yet, with all my school exams and such... ive read many things on how to improve self esteem but it never works... i guess ive just got into the habit

hey lovely, i can't really offer anything helpful but i am exactly the same. i always compare myself to everyone else, i guess im kind of obsessed with making comparisons and finding out whose life/grades/boyfriend/job etc is better... :S even though it just makes me feel worse.

i would advise just seeing the counsellor about it - i know its difficult trying to fit it in around other stuff, but do try to make time to go see him/her because this is important and is a habit that needs to be broken now and not 10 years down the line.

habits are difficult to break out of it but im sure it can be done.

maybe tell your boyfriend how you are feeling, just say what you've written here and hopefully he'll be understanding and try to help - if he isn't, he's not worth it. having family/friend support when you're feeling low is very beneficial.

im sorry i dont really know how to help at all but if you want a good listener im here :)

all the best xx

[Mysophobia]

I think you should talk to your counsellor about it, they might be able to teach you some techniques to help yourself and things. One thing that has improved my self esteem a bit is finding something good about myself every day, I stand in front of my mirror and tell myself 'You look alright today' and that gives me a bit of a boost if I think it enough. It's quite hard though! Good Luck :)

[EgoLaniatus]

I heard of a book called "Feeling Good"
I'm not sure who it's by, but apparently it's very good for raising self esteem. Perhaps you could google it?