How do you improve self esteem

Knowing all of the bad things that happened to you and things you did in the past? I have a lot of trouble lifting myself up knowing that I've just acted out badly in the past and struggle with a really bad addiction I'm trying to overcome. I don't feel like I stand up for myself and I don't feel that confident in who I am because I just worry about all the things that didn't go right, the decisions I regret everyday, and the intrusive thoughts that keep me stuck

Erin P

Date posted: 2y

You can not change the past but you can improve your future. I don’t remember if erp works for you but that’s the best help for the thoughts being sticky. Then cbt or talk therapy could help with self esteem.

BigGyro09

Date posted: 2y

I have trouble doing it on my own. I'm trying to get a therapist to help me but it's been hard to tell my parents about my situation. Everytime I feel like I can be confident in myself I just remember someone else deep in my past, even if it was when I was a little boy, it'll bother me

Drew92

Date posted: 2y

I think we all struggle with self-esteem throughout our lives, and regret mistakes we’ve made. After all, we’re human! So I believe this is actually normal, no matter how bad it feels or how much guilt you are seized with. I know that there are wonderful traits about you that you should be proud of. Try this: write down a list of things you admire about yourself. Forget about the negative crap that pops in your mind. Forget about the intrusive thoughts. It’s irrelevant. Write down what’s positive about you, and read it aloud. Say it with conviction.

BigGyro09

Date posted: 2y

I've done that in the past but I forgot about it. Maybe I can read that list again and say it out loud. I saw an article say that one of many ways to practice this was to look in the mirror and say "I love you". Seems awkward and difficult just thinking about it

Drew92

Date posted: 2y

@BigGip09 I’ve heard of that too actually! Maybe we read the same article? Lol. I’ve never tried it but I’m willing to. I know how difficult this can be, like a cloud of darkness engulfing us when we’re just trying to live life. It’s tough.

Erin P

Date posted: 2y

Your parents don’t have to have details - it would benefit them to know you have ocd and need erp therapy but aren’t comfortable talking about the details yet.

BigGyro09

Date posted: 2y

That's the part I'm anxious about. I can tell them about OCD but I know they fully wouldn't understand it all. I'm trying to tell them how long I've had it, my symptoms, and how the thoughts make no sense but don't go away and how I've been trying to just not think about it

Erin P

Date posted: 2y

See if there is anything on YouTube - I think nocd has a site in there and there are some other ocd ones as well such as the Bay Area anxiety center that may have something to show your parents

BigGyro09

Date posted: 2y

I'm sure they do. Thanks for your words :)

Erin P

Date posted: 2y

@BigGip09 Hopefully you’ll find something useful. 🫶

Be a part of the largest OCD Community

Share your thoughts so the Community can respond