[unhappycamper463]

I've been trying to figure out lately really what's going on and why am I feeling this way. I've come to the conclusion that I've always had low self esteem and low self worth so I try to overachieve to gain recognition and validation from external sources that I'm not a piece of ****.

I guess now that I've graduated and moved, I don't have any external feedback to tell me that I'm not a loser so I'm crashing into what I've always been. I guess I don't think if I would be the best in the world at something or if I went to the moon it would be enough to make myself feel good about myself. Nothing feels like enough.

How can you possibly like what you are?

If you've lived with critisism and negativity that could be why you are seeking validation to prove someone wrong? It has to come from within. Every success leads to another desire for more success and validation. I think we need to accept ourselves,, right now as we are. There may never be another tomorrow. Count your blessings right now. Think of just one thing you are grateful for, it may lead you to yet another. Then you won't need that outside source of contentment with acheivements. Love yourself right now and forgive yourself for whatever you feel down on yourself about. If this doesn't help, keep posting. There are many good people here who may have a better answer!

[MusicalRaven]

You hit the nail on the head and described me to a tee. I have been battling with low self esteem and self worth my whole life and now that I'm out of school and doing a job that's not in the field I got my degree in I find myself thinking how could I ever have been good at anything.

I feel for you because I'm right there with you. If you find the solution let me know. I need it.

[allimsaying]

Originally Posted by kelly4519

If you've lived with critisism and negativity that could be why you are seeking validation to prove someone wrong? It has to come from within. Every success leads to another desire for more success and validation. I think we need to accept ourselves,, right now as we are. There may never be another tomorrow. Count your blessings right now. Think of just one thing you are grateful for, it may lead you to yet another. Then you won't need that outside source of contentment with acheivements. Love yourself right now and forgive yourself for whatever you feel down on yourself about.

I think this is a very good answer. Its hard seeing through the negativity of depression and if you've been down very long, its that much harder to make that first step and even when we do, even a minor setback can make us feel like nothing will ever work. I think the most successful people are succesful not because they know more or are luckier, but simply because they dont give up and continue to try.