Sorry to hear you are suffering from low self esteem. I was mentally and emotionally abused as a child and suffer from low self esteem too. My perfectionist parents expected me to be perfect all the time. Your letter sounds like you had some rough times as a child.

I would like to offer you a new view of you because I know there is a treasure inside you and me both. There is something beyond the false expectations. I just kept waiting for someone to give me permission to be who I am behind the anger, frustration and pain. You are not that bad person. You are suffering from unrealistic expectations and the conditioning of chlldhood. You and me can both be who we are under the pain.

Some people choose talk therapy with a therapist that specializes in self esteem or eating disorders if that applies.

Many people who are actively involved in Psych Central find it helps take them out of their own problems to develop empathy for others. And their problems though still there are more manageable. There are lots of compassionate people here that can make the load lighter by sharing and caring. Feel free to participate actively at Psych Central.

Some people find the forums give them the compassion and empathy they seek. http://forums.psychcentral.com

Please feel free to private message me or any of the Community Liaisons by left clicking on the name in blue to the left of their post) for questions or just to share.