Low self-esteem

Anybody else dealing with this? I noticed it has become a real problem for me.
Im not completely sure of myself. Sometimes when I walk down the street I think everyone is looking at me, judging. I have fear from groups of people. Im thinking it has to do with not having a strong sense of self. I just recently discovered that I dont love myself as I should and thats all conected to how I was raised. My parents didnt thought me of self- love, self-respect or how to be self-reliant. Dont get me wrong, Im not blaming anybody, maybe they were also brought up that way. Im just discovering this things about myself and I decided to do something about that.

Required reading:

6 Tips to Improve Your Self-Esteem | World of Psychology

I have struggled for as long as I can remember with self esteem issues. My parents always encouraged me to just do the best I can, knowing the challenges I faced because of the birth defect I was born with. My self esteem issues started around 2nd or 3rd grade when a teacher made a comment that was totally unnecessary about me to the class. Ever since then I'm always thinking people are staring at me because of such issues. This was way before I was ever diagnosed with any sort of MI issue, which was initially back when I was in high school and had been diagnosed with Season Affective Disorder.

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Its been a long time for me too. Most of my life Ive been avoiding challenges, feeling safe in my comfort zone. I havent a had a girlfriend in high school or later. Im reading this book called Six pillars of self-esteem which is really interesting. Its about self-acceptance, self-love, integrity and lots of other stuff I never new a healthy self-esteem requires. I think Im on the right path, I want to change my life. Someone said...to change your outer world you must first change your inner world...so thats what Im doing.

it certainly does start with your inner world first. I have low self-esteem too and the best advice I got from my therapist was that the way you think of yourself becomes how others think of you. at first, no one sees you have low self-esteem but if you keep telling yourself you're worthless, you start acting in ways that show it even if you're not aware of it (for me, it was walking with my head down, stuttering/nervous speech, how I dressed, etc.).

I'm not saying to think high of yourself tomorrow (because that's impossible) but my T told me to "tell yourself" that you're confident, strong, friendly, or whatever you want to be. Even if you don't feel it right away, and just go with it! The more it is planted in your head, the more you will show it, and start believing it.

I remember quite vividly I said I want to be cool, and he said "even if you don't think you are deep down, just keep saying to yourself that you are". I argued a bit about how "phony" that is, but eventually he convinced me and then within 2 months I had a couple friends tell me that I am cool. it's kind of a silly example haha but still

I might have to add that to my list of books to read.

Yeah you should

That cant happen over night I know. I wish though my mind could work like that. Thats just it, you have to convince yourself into positive thinking. Its not silly at all, thank you.

I really like that too. Thank you, I'm going to try it
Also, thank you for the link, Kindness! I'm going to check that out

I too suffer from this, in addition to major depression and other anxieties. This is all good advice from everyone, as I am realizing that I'm the only one who can help me recover. Thanks everyone and hugs all around!