Self-hate would be a bit strong to describe my esteem issues. As an introvert, I kinda treasure my own company. But I do have my share of self-disgust from time to time. I guess that's a strong word, yet I feel it totally fits.

I was about to say that I think the emotional problems cause the self-loathing for me, but then that became real un-clear. So I think it's a vicious circle, and they feed on each other.

Here's what helps me. I totally believe in the sin-theory of human nature . . . that, as humans, we are born disposed to screw up and do things that a decent conscience should feel guilty about. Then I tell myself that I'm not the one who set it up that way. That kind of let's me off the hook . . . a bit. I conclude that I'm a sinner, but so is everyone else.

Another technique that I have helps limit the time I spend in fruitless remorse. I remind myself that I can not turn back the clock even one second . . . that is to say: I can not undo anything that has been done. I can not undo what I did five years ago, nor what I did five minutes ago. (It is recent stuff that I tend to feel the worst about. That's because it seems that what's recent should be retrievable and subject to a do-over. But it's not. Done is done.)