[Cassidy72]

Hi, I'm hoping to get some advice or pointers from some of you out there about an ongoing issue my husband is having. He has been through a lot of abuse in his life, including mental abuse and has basically had it pounded into his head that he is ugly, worthless, stupid, etc. I've had six years to try to convince him otherwise versus the thirty or so years that he's heard this. He's come a long way since I first met him, and therapy has does wonders for him but he still struggles with self-esteem and body image. Prior to starting therapy he used to work out and wash excessively until it became a physical problem. He has stopped doing that, but recently he has begun to make a lot of derogatory comments about his weight and I'm worried that he will go back to some of the obsessive behavior. Despite what he thinks, my husband is a very attractive man and not overweight at all. I constantly reassure him of how handsome he is, but he either shrugs it off or argues with me trying to convince me that he is ugly. Does anyone have any advice for another approach or what I can do to help him think better of himself. We seem to have hit a brick wall with the issue at therapy and at home.

Thank you

[Fuzzybear]

Welcome to Psych Central!!
I'm not sure how to advise you on this but I'm glad you reached out and please keep posting!!

[kebsfroggy]

Hi Cassidy72

Glad you joined us and sorry to hear you have hit a rough spot.

Being a frog of little brain I can't off anything in the way of helpful advice (sarcasm is in ample supply). Hopefully someone here can provide some suggestions.

Sometimes just expressing the problem, feelings, situation helps. If nothing else it might relieve some of the pent up stress your having.

Please keep posting.