We all suffer from a lack self-esteem from time to time. Some of us struggle with it more than others. It can sometimes be traced back to feeling abandoned ot abused by significant others. Society continues to cause self-esteem problems by constantly giving out messages (especially through the media), of what "perfection" is in how we are "supposed" to look, and what we need to "do" and "buy" or "own", or even "think", to be happy.
At some point in life, we have a choice - to either continue to wallow in our lack of self-esteem, or try to do something to make it better. From experience, I know that the one thing that doesn't help it, is doing nothing about it. Depression can be a part of this also, which makes it all the harder to come to grips with it.
Which brings me to the subject of depression, which can be caused by many things, some of them being the same reasons that cause lack of self esteem. Just remember, 'You are enough'. You are beautiful and wonderful just as you are. That's a good place to start, isn't it? And, it's true!
Depression can range from mild to severe and if anyone is unable to function they should definitely seek help. We all get a little sad sometimes and one of the reasons for this can be 'Seasonal Affective'. This is when a certain time of the year, such as a holiday or season can trigger memories of an event that was difficult. One thing that helps is to remember that it will pass eventually. If it doesn't, get help. I have an article of 'Help in Times of Need' that you can refer to on my blog, for resources.
Stop being hard on yourself and break the negative thinking pattern of your mind. It really gets us no where, and it's a loop that keeps playing over and over, programming our brains to be a certain way. It's a matter of reprogramming our minds and one way to do this is through meditation and constructive thinking.
If you ever get really down in the dumps, which I have a few times in my life, I find that alternating things that need to be done with 'treating' myself with something I really enjoy, whether it is literally a comfort food item, watching a movie, taking a nap, writing, or whatever I am in the mood for. I find doing this helps snap me out off feeling blue sooner than later; before it gets worse -- which I know from experience that I do not want to let it get worse.
And, of course, eating right and exercise are important. A balance in life is the key -- between work, play, rest and recreation. That is between doing something you really love to do and the mundane chores, such as paying bills or chores -- for example.
The reason why I opened this thread is to ask others to share with us how they deal with self-esteem issues, and what they think are some of the root causes of it. I want the main focus here to be helpful ways to address this problem.
Original Photos by Karen Eisenlord