[CrackedLCD]

My poor body image and self esteem is getting so bad that I can't watch TV or look online without my mood plummeting because of seeing pretty women and feeling bad about myself.

I can't even go on Facebook, because I look at girls I'm friends with and compare myself to them CONSTANTLY.

At the gym I get depressed if I see a guy check out a girl. I think "why doesn't he look at me? Am I ugly?"

It's getting out of control, I don't know what to do. Any suggestions? Please please please help me out.

[Yoda]

Hello crackedlcd and welcome to PC

I looked at your profile and I think you have a very pretty face. I know that doesn't answer your question of HOW to manage your low self esteem. I had low self esteem and thought I was ugly in my early twenties. I wasn't particularly ugly but I wasn't "model beautiful" so I gave up on trying to be pretty because I could never be as beautiful as I wanted to be. For me becoming successful in my career helped my self esteem. Later in life I realized that I looked like my grandmother with my thin lips and long nose and I realized I looked the way I was supposed to look and I finally made peace with looking average.

Guys tend to pay attention to girls they think are attractive AND self confident. An average looking, friendly girl with self confidence will attract more people than a pretty, shy girl with no self confidence.

Read some of the posts in this forum for ideas. You can improve your self esteem. I did.

[lynn P.]

I also think you're pretty. I think there's way too much emphasis on looks. The images that come from the entertainment and beauty/modeling industry are very false and misleading. They spend hours on hair and makeup - then the pic moves to photo editing where they make the person look perfect. These people don't even look like this is real life. Ever look at famous people without makeup?

I agree with Yoda - a good personality is even more important than looks. Emphasize your best assets and be content with yourself. Don't compare or worry about other people's looks. Take a look at this Dove website:

http://www.dove.ca/en/default.aspx

Click on 'Campaign For Real Beauty'

[QUEEN OF WANDS]

i know exactly how u feel..i dont have an answer but i can relate..it hurts

[Perna]

Pay attention to something other than your looks, change your focus. I got off Facebook to spend more time on a health site and here; don't do stuff that makes you feel bad! You don't have to watch/look at magazines and shows that are "fluff," about looks, to begin with. Remember what you're at the gym for; exercise. Don't bother with what anyone else is doing, you can hurt yourself if you don't pay attention to what you're doing :-)

[Lint]

I definitely have to agree. A good portion of what is "fed" to people through advertising, movies, etc.. is highly photoshopped and edited. There are plenty of examples floating around the web of photos of celebrities before photoshop and after and the fact that said celebrity looks thinner, more polished, and without a single blemish. Tina Fey has a scar that "mysteriously" disappears in several photos. So getting caught up in a world that isn't "real" will only be detrimental to yourself. Be proud of who you are.

Not to mention I also agree with several of the other posters. I'm all about personality. Plus I find myself attracted to the girl next store after I've talked to her and found out how sweet and nice she is.

[sammiegurl2010]

i have the same issues except i was anorexic before i found out i was pregnant then now i have to gain wait to keep my baby healthy and it kills me but i no its being the best mommy i can be and my fiance loved how i looked before but i think he may like the thicker thighs n 7month baby belly i got more lol obviously if a guy isnt checking you out hes not worthy of what you have to offer. i dont have alot of money so i am not going to recomend going shopping or getting your hair done cus i no often times its not affordable but wet n wild and nyc has nailpoilish for under a dollar and trust me new nails will help atleast they do for me. i stick to bright pink they draw attention but also say im a lady and pink is for princesses and what girl doesnt want to be a princess now adays good luck and remember everybody is beautiful in a different way. i no its hard to think that way and i often have trouble thinking like it but you have alot of people who are here supporting you saying honey your pretty so stand up be proud and realize you are beautiful