Life-long low self esteem. Can it really be changed?

Question:

I suffer from general anxiety disorder, social phobia and depression - and seemingly untouchable low self esteem. I've been this way for as long as I can remember. Been in and out of therapy the last 25 yrs, but nothing seems to come of it. I think because I can never really trust the drs, and just leave feeling humiliated and embarassed (esp if I cry, which I always do). I'm taking Effexor now, which helps me get through the day a little easier, but that's about it. OK, here's what I'm getting at - whenever someone suggests that I do something good for myself, I have a reaction inside that's something like anger, disgust, revulsion. Nearest I can tell, I hate myself so much that self-punishment of some kind is the only thing that feels right. It gives me a satisfied feeling. Just the idea of looking in the mirror and saying nice things to myself makes me feel sick and angry. I'd like to know if anyone relates and if anyone has ever really overcome it. Thanks.

Answers:
Sounds like you have a bit of depression to add along with the low self esteem. Don't feel bad talking to Dr's. Do you have a best friend to ask if they have a doctor that they love? No need to get specific if you don't want to, just ask as a general question. Then let the Dr. know what's going on and if he feels that you need to see someone else, he'll refer you to another. My husband went through this. He felt the need to be in control of his emotions and it made it worse. After many years of this he finally went to see someone and now is a bit upset he hadn't done it sooner. I wish you the best of luck. Just remember you're not alone.

See anxiety, social phobia and depression, at http://www.ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris... on pages 6, 9, and the self esteem websites, and practise daily, and when needed, one of the relaxation methods on page 2. Challenge any negative thoughts about yourself: use the technique for reprogramming the negative internal monologue. Try the EFT. Volunteer, even from home, at first. Make yourself into a person worthy of having a good level of self esteem, which can be justified by the help you have given others. What do you think I am doing, right here, right now? Just that!

Let me ask U this then, why do U feel so bad about yourself and what are some of the things that U don't like about yourself. If it is because U can't win acceptance by others,@ least try to find out what is it about U or u do that keeps on having people reject U. and to also see what U can to change those things.

Don’t deprive yourself of your self-worth!!

You are not alone in this world..

Don't deprive yourself of your self-worth!!

You only need a HELPING HAND,

just like anyone else out who does at any point of their lives!!

Check out the way you can get your self esteem back over the weekend

http://hubpages.com/hub/selfesteemworkbo...

Life-long low self esteem. Can it really be changed?

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