Just as a beginning, have you investigated the "Self Esteem Forum" here on PsychCentral? Here's the link--Steps to Better Self-Esteem - Forums at Psych Central

If you read and post a lot, Dashiok, you'll discover you're fairly normal here. Most of us think of ourselves as being not as good as most of the people in our lives.

No matter how many successes I've had, it seems the failures are more numerous and more important. But I'm better than I was! I catch myself listening to these old tapes telling me I'm not living very well--I come on here and talk it out with someone or make myself bring it up with my therapist.

There are many generous folks here who have been where you are and gotten better. They will share coping skills with you, if you can make the effort to connect with them in the forums.

Welcome to PsychCentral and keep coming back. This place has saved my sanity and my life.

Roads