Last Updated on June 4, 2015 by HodgePodgeDays
Lots of people have low self esteem, it’s a modern epidemic. I have chronically low self esteem, it’s a really bitchy bullying voice who loves to put me down at every given opportunity. If I’m generally up and happy, feeling safe and secure I am usually able to shut the voice up, or at least turn down the volume. But if I’m feeling edgy and vulnerable, a little bit low and anxious, the voice roars at me. I know lots of other people feel that way too.
How does it feel to have low self esteem? Or how does it feel for me with low self esteem? Everyone is different but there will be common threads.
I feel unworthy, worthless. Like a waste of space and a waste of a life. I speak at times with a little voice because my voice isn’t worth being heard, especially not by the vastly superior human who has spoken to me.
When a close friend doesn’t invite me out, or keeps secrets from me, it’s because I am nothing and worth nothing and they are simply tolerating my friendship because they have better friends, friends who are funnier, better company, more intelligent, attractive and they just hands down prefer them to me.
If I work hard on a project but the recognition for my hard work goes to someone else, this makes me feel like my work isn’t worth being recognised and that everything I do is pointless. I am diligent, I work hard and I work long hours, I don’t earn very much despite my long hours, but I usually love my work. It’s nice occasionally to get a pat on the back.
I look in the mirror and all I see are faults. I hate myself and everything about me. Comments and suggestions made by other people in an effort to encourage me just make me feel even more horrid. My Dad asking how my diet is going when he sees me eating something, anything, doesn’t matter if it’s lettuce or dust it just makes me feel like crap. My husband (who means well) complimenting me on my hair colour by saying he likes how it looks patchy and not all the same colour. Patchy should never be used as a compliment.
I hide behind a scruffy, shambolic image because it’s easier to be like this and not compete with the beautiful people. The people with the good jobs and the perfect hair, the people who are better than me. All the people.
And this. Writing this whiny little post about how pathetic I am makes me feel pretty shoddy too. But someone once said that writing was therapy. Low self esteem sucks big time. I wouldn’t wish this on anyone, to feel so low and worthless at times that escaping this life seems the only option. But it’s not an option, I need to break the cycle because it’s not fair on me and it’s really not fair on my son.
this is exactly me xx
I know xx
I recognise some of those feelings, And maybe not, but maybe it’s useful for you to know that this doesn’t come across as whiny or pathetic. I hope the writing works as therapy for you, but also recognise that you’re reaching out to all those people who also experience something like these feelings Which makes you pretty powerful and impressive really.
Caz, those are such wonderful things to say, thank you 🙂 I really do worry that I sound like I’m moaning all the time, I do try and keep it to a minimum though. Thank you xx
i used to feel kind of like this but im gradually learning to be kinder to myself. i had a lightbulb moment of thinking actually i am all i have and while im not perfect (by far) im the best that i can be. i honestly do not care about other ppl being funnier, prettier, richer than me because i only know how to be me. i only want to be me. you are a brilliant friend to me and i love how you make me feel good about myself, i really wish i could do the same for you x
You DO help and awful lot chick, more than you know. I know you’re a few steps ahead of me and I am following you down that path xxx