[CruiseAustin]

What do you do to build your self-esteem? Mine has taken a deep drop off a cliff. I grew up in a violent and abusive family. I am trying to 'reprogram' myself to see the lighter side of life. I am trying to find things I am good at. Having bipolar disorder has dealt a severe blow to my self-esteem. Anyone else out there like this?

Warm regards,
Sharon

[madisgram]

perhaps this site may help u, sharon. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/self-esteem/MH00129
i had a heck of a time dealing with my diagnosis of bipolar. it made me feel vulnerable. do u see a therapist? i found the experience to be most helpful.

I've never really dealt with esteem issues, but I give you encouragement on improving your sense of self. The mind is capable of a great many things, including completely shaping how it views yourself & the world around you with just a little bit of urging. It is completely plastic & formed around what you will it to think/do. So... Even though it's hard, it is ALWAYS possible. : )

[CruiseAustin]

Originally Posted by madisgram

perhaps this site may help u, sharon. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/self-esteem/MH00129
i had a heck of a time dealing with my diagnosis of bipolar. it made me feel vulnerable. do u see a therapist? i found the experience to be most helpful.

Thanks for the link. I will check it out. Yes, a see a therpist weekly and it does help. I am also on psych meds for BP.

[CruiseAustin]

Originally Posted by Shayatanica

I've never really dealt with esteem issues, but I give you encouragement on improving your sense of self. The mind is capable of a great many things, including completely shaping how it views yourself & the world around you with just a little bit of urging. It is completely plastic & formed around what you will it to think/do. So... Even though it's hard, it is ALWAYS possible. : )

Thanks for the post. I completely agree with you. I am searching for my possibilities.

Warm regards,
Sharon

[sugahorse1]

I'm not sure if it's self-esteem issues, or just insecurity. But I continuously need reaffirmation that my bf loves me, that someone out there cares, that I haven't upset others... It has gotten worse in the last few years

[choocha]

Originally Posted by CruiseAustin

What do you do to build your self-esteem? Mine has taken a deep drop off a cliff. I grew up in a violent and abusive family. I am trying to 'reprogram' myself to see the lighter side of life. I am trying to find things I am good at. Having bipolar disorder has dealt a severe blow to my self-esteem. Anyone else out there like this?

Warm regards,
Sharon

I hear you Sharon. I have bp2 & had an extremely abusive childhood. My self-esteem was kicking along OK while I was having moderate life successes. But about 4 years ago my life started falling apart & has been going from bad to worse. Every time someone said "don't worry mate, it can only get better", I could've throttled them. Every time something goes wrong, it's been a kick to my already fragile psyche. I've always acted strong & resilient, so no-one knew, my sense of "self" was taking a harsh battering. Even when something's not my fault, I think so little of myself that I don't defend myself & believe I'm just getting what I deserve. I just recently was fired (for the 1st time ever) from a really crappy job where I was bullied & belittled, but my stupid mind has told itself "yep, see it is you, you're the freak". Since I lost my job I haven't been able to leave my house, let alone apply for work. I'm a quivering, terrified wreck; I just can't face people anymore. I can't stand the thought of one more person telling me "you're not good enough". Anyway, I didn't mean this to be just a whinge from me; I was just going to suggest that when I want a bit of a boost, I take up old hobbies I'd enjoyed in the past, things I'd been good at before ie quilting, art, gardening etc. Good luck to you.

[manicminer]

I was heavy with glasses as a kid and was bullied because of it. This gave me next to no self-esteem and I still hate the way I look even though I changed my appearance drastically. I even starved myself and lost 30lbs in 3 weeks during college. Its a hard thing to overcome. You just have to learn to love you for you.