How can I fix my bad self esteem?
I am 21 years old and have has bad self esteem as a child. I know what causes it but I believe it is the reason why I am depressed and have issues moving on (see previous question http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=At2c3tA0vvLnRPTkjXEblvvsy6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20080326164321AAmRrle ) Please help me fix this. I tried counseling but am right now too poor. Any GOOD self help books would be welcome. Thank you.
Wow, I’m horrified by the answers you’re getting from other members. Coming from someone who also struggles with low self-esteem, I would recommend that you definitely do a lot of reading and research into the literature availalbe on self-esteem, adult attachment, body image, self worth. If I had to recommend some "self-help" authors, I’d say try reading some books by Bill O’Hanlon or Albert Ellis. They influenced my understanding of psychology in general. The more you read, the more you will come to understand not only yourself but others.
Its wonderful that you recognize your self-esteem issues. This is called self-awareness or insight. The next steps you can take are to challenge your irrational thoughts and to realize that you CAN control how you think, feel, and behave. It will be hard, it will be slow, and there will be setbacks, but if you work hard at improving yourself, you will experience progress. The best to you!