[confused22]

I've always suffered from low self-esteem. I've done intensive therapy which has increased my awareness of my issues but sadly not the acceptance or action parts-well not to a great extent. This undoubtedly stems from being "an adult child of an alcoholic" but what am I meant to do about it now?? Progress is so slow. I'm so tired of battling the same issues over and over again. It feels like groundhod day in my life. I feel quite suicidal at times but wouldn't do that because I'm...scared that I won't succeed and will end up being paralysed or worse after a failed attempt. So basically I'm surviving. I have tried quick-fixes and they havent worked...well they gave me a temporary high but then I went back to my old "I'm not good enough" behaviour. I try to follow the al-anon 12 steps because it is the only thing that yields any kind of results for me but its so intensive. I wish there was another easier way yet I know there isnt. i find it difficult to stick to it and keep relapsing back into old behaviours. i know better yet continually opt for the easy way. when will things get easier???!

I'm wondering if theres anyone out there experiencing the same problems at the moment. it would be really great to hear from you.

[ArianeB]

I'm having a really tough time at the moment too. While I had been working really hard to be disciplined and improve my self image, things have currently slumped back into a tough time. It's all exacerbated by a lack of financial stability and having to move around a lot.

I find comfort in the idea that improving self esteem is never a straight path. It's normal to come across serious pitfalls and throwbacks. Each time you pick yourself up and try again, you are moving towards feeling better about yourself. I know this is maybe cold comfort, but it helps me.

Super cheesy to say, but just finding something, one thing, that you really care about can be amazing too. You can lose yourself in this thing and feel part of something bigger than yourself. This could be a social cause, helping others, nature, or even coffee

Hang in there - my thoughts are with you, and it gives me comfort to know that someone else is experiencing the same challenges.

[robin620]

I have also tried a 12-step program to increase my self-esteem. It helped for a while, but now I find myself slipping back into my old ways. Maybe part of it is that in programs for "traditional" 12-step issues there are meetings to go to in order to get support. I can't find anything like that for low self-esteem. Without others who can really relate I'm finding it impossible to maintain my self-positivity. That might just be what I was looking for when I registered here.

Anyone who can relate, feel free to PM me and maybe we can help each other.

[confused22]

yeah i keep having to pick myself up again and again..im just frustrated from it at the moment.But at least im not just giving up completely like i used to. so i guess thats progress!!
its good to hear that other people experience the same things as me-sometimes i think im just over-reacting but i know im not deep down. i really want to get back into the 12 step plan now cos it definitely works for me but im going to take it mega slowly.

yeah i dont know if theres anything specifically for self-esteem but i guess all the little things help-exercise, sleep...i wud definitely like to have someone online as a "positive buddy" or something to boost my morale. ive lots of college work at the mo so its hard to chill. im open to doing anything really to boost my self-esteem i dont want things to continue like this, i dont want to be a victim anymore...

ANY TIPS???????!
TANX!!!x