Community /
Self-Esteem Forum
Quick links
About Us
Get Started
Create a New Thread
Gif
Photo
Link
Filter by Topic
Building Self-esteem series
10 Day Self-Esteem Exploration Event
by SoulfullyAButterfly
Last post
February 23rd, 2024
February 23rd, 2024
...See more
Hi everyone,
We are excited to announce the "10 Day Self-Esteem Exploration Event", which is kicking off on Monday, the 19th of February, as part of the International Boost Self-Esteem Month.
For ten days, we will explore self-esteem as a community. There will be daily prompts focusing on the different aspects of self-esteem, encouraging you to share your personal stories, insights, and experiences while learning new techniques and tips from our community.
The event is designed to help us all understand the importance of self-esteem, boost our confidence, appreciate our worth, and inspire each other in the process. Are you ready to explore, learn, participate and grow on this self-esteem journey? If so, save the dates and meet us in the Special Events group support room.
Event Details - open to both adult listeners and members:
Adults
Location: Special Events Room
Time: Open 24/7 between 19 Feb - 28 Feb. You can check-in at any time!
To show interest in this event and be informed of future events, please fill out this form. [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe31pGvZDW8_aa8Cb8ywz4lOCpy4lkS5kekzsFXILwv3QQSjw/viewform]
Not good enough
by courageousLunch8341
Last post
4 hours ago
4 hours ago
...See more
Why do I feel like I'm not good enough for my husband of 4 years?
Why are people so mean about a random person's looks?
by ambitiousPine9287
Last post
14 hours ago
14 hours ago
...See more
My entire life, I have people call me names and pretty much made fun of me for how I looked. I don't even look that bad- I have black hair, small brown eyes, a big round button nose, small ears, big lips, I have eye bags, I have long skinny arms, and my fashion sense is OK. I'm a girl that is mixed with Creole, French, and native American.
They would mostly compare me with random people and objects. There had been times where people would do a "smash or pass" and unsolicitly bring me in it and it's always a "pass"
people would even do that annoying prank where they would go up to me and say that someone has a crush on me and ask me to follow them, when I do their friend would insult my appearance and or threaten their friend as if I'm the worst looking person they have ever met.
I just don't get it. I never acted overconfident about my looks, I never made fun of someone for their looks (In fact, I just don't give a *** on how a random person looks like), I'm not even overly preachy about this type of stuff, I don't even ask for these people's advice or criticism, I don't go inside random people's business or drama and keep to myself,
I'm not looking for validation for my looks or anything, I'm just wondering why so many different people call me ugly and use my own looks against me. I look long at the mirror and my phone camera, but I always find nothing physically wrong with me.
I feel bad
by andrewtan99
Last post
20 hours ago
20 hours ago
...See more
I feel bad for my appearance after being forced to be drunken by a person and I also breathe in the vape the forced upon me.
The gentle giant
by courageouspanda2006
Last post
2 days ago
2 days ago
...See more
I suffer from low self-esteem. Being 6'-8", I intimidate some people and frighten a few. I can see fear in their eyes. This doesn't happen all of the time. I laughed to myself the first couple of times. I guess it's taken its toll after years of it happening. I'm the nicest guy a person could meet. It's a shame that even in 2025, we still judge a book by its cover.
Body Image & Self Esteem
by 29etienne92
Last post
2 days ago
2 days ago
...See more
I did some traveling to Europe in my mid to late 20s. Those trips were HUGELY influential to me. Before, my wardrobe consisted of anything I could hide in. I've always been slim & trim. When slim fit wears became such a big thing, I thought : Wow, this slim fit stuff is actually regular fit for/to me.
Anyway...my body size lowered my self esteem. Affects me to this day. What I found in Europe were people that looked like me, thousands of them. It was astonishing. I saw how quickly and effortlessly it was to talk to women, get them interested and earn a hot your guide to the real (enter city name).
I went home and gutted my entire wardrobe, shoes included. I began to get attention left and right from the opposite sex and the same sex. I felt some actual growth in my life. Since then I haven't grown much at all. Gotten older but that's it.
Now, I find myself divorced and trying to date again. Wouldn't you know it, my anxiety about my body image erupted after being dormant for so long. I haven't had any luck with dating. No dates @ all. Came across many disinterested or committed women. I believe it has so much to do with the self-evaluation of my body that's holding me back.
i stand with my un-s.
by suu1309
Last post
Saturday
Saturday
...See more
why chase the mirage of a forever fabricated falsehood?
where conformity offers the veiled treasure of solitude
why hide behind the charade of a carefully crafted wall?
where the fear of the unknown outweighs the beauty of it all,
why should i conform to standards that were never my design?
unpolished, yes i am, and that is perfectly fine.
why run in a pursuit for the world wants you to,
just to win a trophy that everyone else has too?
why search for a corner in those worldly occupied rooms?
isn't it okay to be a wildflower in a field of manicured blooms?
why should i mold myself in the frame they've intricately designed?
unworldly, yes i am, and that is perfectly fine.
why always chase the spotlights and fleeting acclaim?
a glittery gilded cage for a moth drawn to the flame.
why build sand castles on ever-shifting grounds?
while the bedrock whispers ,"sing to me your unheard sounds".
why should i seek a hall pass to sway when the music chimes?
ungainly, yes i am, and that is perfectly fine.
why try to build happiness on those fickle trends?
those shimmering illusions that always got in them hollow ends
why yearn for accolades, however grand they may seem?
and base your life on the ephemeral nature of public esteem
why should i exchange the rugged landscape for a picture-perfect shrine?
uncool, yes i am, and that is perfectly fine.
why choose nonchalance and a mask of "cool" disdain?
and go on to shackle oneself in expectations' constraining chain
why drown the spirit in the clamor of the crowd?
the crowd which is a reflection of your laboriously fashioned shroud.
why should i pretend to be enlightened, when i'm still trying to define?
unbound, yes i am, and that is perfectly fine.
Understanding Self-Esteem
by KaylaBella
Last post
Saturday
Saturday
...See more
Understanding Self-Esteem
Self-esteem refers to the way we perceive and value ourselves. It encompasses our beliefs about our worth, capabilities, and how we fit into the world. High self-esteem means having confidence in your abilities and accepting yourself as you are, while low self-esteem often involves feelings of self-doubt, inadequacy, and self-criticism.
Why Self-Esteem Is Important
Self-esteem affects almost every aspect of our lives, including:
• Mental Health: Higher self-esteem is associated with lower levels of anxiety and depression.
• Relationships: People with healthy self-esteem tend to build stronger, more fulfilling relationships because they approach others with confidence and respect.
• Decision-Making: A solid sense of self-worth allows you to make decisions based on your values and goals, rather than fear or insecurity.
• Resilience: Healthy self-esteem helps you bounce back from setbacks and challenges more effectively.
Factors That Influence Self-Esteem
Self-esteem develops over time and is shaped by various factors:
1. Childhood Experiences
• Supportive, loving environments foster positive self-esteem.
• Criticism, neglect, or unrealistic expectations can lead to self-doubt.
2. Social Comparisons
• Comparing yourself to others can either boost or damage your self-esteem.
• Constantly measuring yourself against unrealistic standards (e.g., social media) often lowers self-esteem.
3. Achievements and Failures
• Successes can build confidence, while repeated failures without support can erode self-esteem.
4. Relationships
• Supportive relationships build self-worth, while toxic or abusive ones can harm it.
5. Cultural and Societal Norms
• Societal messages about beauty, success, or identity can influence how we see ourselves.
Signs of Healthy vs. Low Self-Esteem
Healthy Self-Esteem
Low Self-Esteem
Confidence in your abilities
Doubting yourself frequently
Accepting yourself despite imperfections
Harsh self-criticism
Setting boundaries and saying no
People-pleasing or avoiding conflict
Embracing challenges as opportunities
Fear of failure or avoiding risks
Strategies to Build and Maintain Self-Esteem
1. Practice Self-Compassion
• Be kind to yourself when you make mistakes.
• Replace self-critical thoughts with supportive ones.
2. Set Realistic Goals
• Break large goals into smaller, manageable steps.
• Celebrate small victories to build confidence.
3. Challenge Negative Self-Talk
• Identify automatic negative thoughts (e.g., “I’m not good enough”).
• Reframe them with balanced and realistic perspectives.
4. Surround Yourself with Positive Influences
• Spend time with people who uplift and support you.
• Distance yourself from those who bring negativity or criticism.
5. Focus on Your Strengths
• Make a list of your skills, achievements, and qualities you value about yourself.
• Engage in activities that highlight your strengths.
6. Take Care of Your Physical Health
• Exercise regularly, eat nutritious food, and get adequate sleep.
• Physical well-being contributes to mental and emotional resilience.
7. Practice Gratitude
• Keep a journal to reflect on things you’re grateful for.
• Gratitude helps shift focus from what’s lacking to what’s abundant in your life.
8. Seek Professional Help if Needed
• Therapists can help you uncover the root causes of low self-esteem and guide you in building a positive self-image.
Overcoming Obstacles to Self-Esteem
Building self-esteem takes time and effort, especially if it has been negatively impacted by past experiences. Common challenges include:
• Fear of Change: Stepping out of your comfort zone can be intimidating but is necessary for growth.
• Perfectionism: Let go of the need to be perfect; instead, aim for progress.
• Criticism from Others: Learn to filter constructive feedback from unnecessary negativity.
Conclusion
Self-esteem is a foundational part of living a happy, confident, and fulfilling life. It is not fixed but rather something you can nurture and grow with consistent effort. By practicing self-compassion, setting achievable goals, and surrounding yourself with positive influences, you can build a strong sense of self-worth and resilience.
Remember, you are deserving of love, respect, and kindness—both from others and yourself.
Much love,
Kayla 💕♥️
I don't have high self esteem as a hockey player
by torontoraptors2
Last post
Saturday
Saturday
...See more
What is an alpha male? Is it okay to dominate in sport? What if I make the other person feel bad?
I play down when people give me compliments in sport. I'd like to accept it and just say 'thank you'. I thinks it's because I have a slightly reduced level of self esteem then what I would like to be. It's not horrible, however I'm trying to do different things to get me over that hump and just love myself as an athlete. I do love myself. I think I love myself as an athlete. I love myself as an athlete. I'm not perfect. I understand that confidence is being okay with not being perfect. I'm not perfect. I'm not perfect.
gymnastics, weight, and height do not go together for me
by Nate715
Last post
Friday
Friday
...See more
Hey everyone!
Back then, In 6th grade i was already insecure enough until my mom put me in gymnastics. i admit, gymnastics was fun, its just terrible with the group of people i got into. I was put into the 8/9-12 group i assume? level one. i didn´t have a gymnastics leotard. which was fine because leotards are optional.
at 11 years old, i was quite tall child. my sister too. i was 5´7 and my sister was 4´10-4´11 possibly.. these girls within our age group were small and thin, all of them were possibly shorter then 4´8 and weighed less then 7 stones, considering most of them were younger then me, i didn´t mind it at all.
Until around 2-3 weeks later. I started getting insecure and self conscious as i realized the ´pro´ gymnastics athletes were my height and shorter. i probably looked pathetic, i was even taller then the gymnastics teacher. eventually, i hated gymnastics because i couldn´t do most things the shorter girls within my age group were doing.
i remember times i cried and i felt deep embarassment for not doing my hardest within those classes. i was scared of heights. typically we went on high beams without anything to catch us under and i had trouble not looking down, sometimes there was a thick mat to catch us, made me feel less nervous.
we had ropes, i thought i could climb up the rope and back down, i didn´t even move up that thing, that felt embarrassing. but the worst time was when i thought i could do something like a backflip, i was confident that day, i volunteered to go first with the new gymnastics teacher we had (after our old classes were done my mom signed me up again) and i was halfway there when i fell on the teachers hands and i felt so much embarrassment.
years later, it still haunts me. i never want to return back there ever again. so far, no returns. i´m comfortable doing my own thing, and i´d much rather take classes for fun crafts 😊 (i did it once a fe years ago, super fun!)
sometimes i wish my friend wouldnt ignore me for too long
by hopefulencounter
Last post
Thursday
Thursday
...See more
because i'm an overthinker :( with low self esteem andd trust issue
Gentle Reminder :)
by Nate715
Last post
January 27th
January 27th
...See more
Since my self esteem has been up and down lately, i should remind everyone of one small thing :)
Your enough and you don´t need to change yourself for anyone. regardless, there will always be someone complaining and criticizing you so its best to stick to what you enjoy. are you truly happy pleasing others? think that before you agree to doing something. who cares if others stare and judge you, they are not you.
Love yourself, get up and do something you genuinely enjoy today, or maybe do something that´ll give you a confidence boost, no matter what your situation is, look at the bright side and i hope you have a positive day. <3
Hypnosis as an option?
by courageouspanda2006
Last post
January 27th
January 27th
...See more
Hello,
I'm wondering if anyone has underwent or considered hypnosis for self-esteem issues?
My therapist wants me to create a list of why I'm not happy with myself and/or why I consider myself unattractive.
Trying to figure out why I think so low of myself and when it started.
I'm having a difficult time with this due to not remembering most of my childhood.
My father was an abusive alcoholic until I was 13 years old.
I'm guessing I've blocked most or those years.