Steemit's been kind of dead recently, but as I love the community on here I wanted to turn to it for some help.
A good chunk of my page has been dedicated to my struggle with social anxiety. On the side I have depression, low self esteem, and everyday life problems.
So I'd like advice! or any opinions you guys have to offer.
My main concern is the low self esteem, as it's where my anxiety stems from. I want to know how to build up confidence, because right now I'm struggle with a very deep sense of unworthiness. My looks, my personality, my social skills, my life, all of it feels inadequate. I try to be positive, I try to find love for myself, but most days it's seemingly impossible. If any of you know how to gain back my sense of worth, I'd love to hear it.
I've been considering antidepressants recently. I'm scared of them and their side effects but I'm desperate. I have tried meditating, eating a healthy diet, and pushing myself to overcome my fears. It's just not enough.
Any tips on how you guys have overcome similar problems is welcome!
I want a life where I am at peace with who I am, and am not held back by anxiety.
I'm not sure how I missed this post, but now that I've found it I will do my best.
Have you heard of The Four Agreements? I just discovered it on YouTube and found it pretty profound yet concise and accessible. I'm definitely going to give it another listen. I'm not sure if that's relevant to your question, but it popped into my head, so it might be.
Another perspective I've found very valuable is Jordan Peterson's 12 Rules for Life. I haven't read the whole thing, but I've watched so many of his videos and gotten clarity on a lot of relevant issues. He's a clinical psychologist with many years of experience, and he has a bunch of Q&A videos on YouTube.
A perspective that I always find surprisingly refreshing and unconventional is Sadhguru's. He always answers questions in ways I don't expect. Here's a really short clip about self-esteem. And here's one about anxiety.
Finally, what has helped me see my own value is understanding that since every person has a unique genetic makeup, with a unique life history, and a unique combination of interests, etc., that also means we each have a unique perspective. No one will ever see truth in exactly the same way you do. But you will encounter challenges that others can relate to. If you face them and learn from them, you can help others by sharing your perspective, and thereby contribute to humanity's collective understanding of truth. That's a pretty important part to play, I think.
Also, by facing and overcoming your challenges, you will prove your value to yourself. The more you actively live your life, the more obvious your limitless worth will be, not only to you but also to those around you.