low self esteem

When a Bad Relationship Damages Your Self-Esteem

October 1, 2009 by editor Leave a Comment

Getting involved in a bad relationship is something that a lot of people go through at one time or another. Sometimes, though, people have to endure mental abuse from their partners, which can have a negative effect on them that lasts a lifetime.

It can be tough for you to bounce back from the mental abuse you had to endure and your self-esteem suffers greatly because of it. The mental abuse you were put through is usually an attack by your partner to make you feel worthless and insecure.

The partner does it to gain control and boost his or her own ego (yes, women can be abusive, too). They want you to have low self-esteem so you won’t think for yourself. Getting out of a relationship like that is the first step you need to take in order to save your own sanity.

There are other things you’ll need to do to bounce back from the mental abuse. It’s important to stay active. Get out and do things with your family and friends, because an abuser loves to alienate you from your loved ones.

Keep your mind focused on other things so that you don’t isolate yourself at home and become dependent on the negative person who’s feeding into your self-esteem issues. Call up friends, read uplifting books or concentrate on a project like redecorating your house.

Do whatever it takes to keep you going. If you have a job, continue to work and take note of your goals and achievements. If you don’t have a job, look for one. Working can get your mind off of your problems and give you the necessary affirmation that you can do whatever you put your mind to – and that you’re not worthless.

Avoid jumping into other relationships until you’re fully healed emotionally. You’re more likely to fall for other partners who are just like your ex. You don’t want to get into the same situation as before and repeat the cycle of abuse.

Don’t waste time on thoughts of your ex – whether it’s negative or otherwise. Some people make the mistake of spending a lot of time with thoughts of how much they hate their former partner or how they wish they could get revenge.

Release the anger and focus on what’s important – you! It’s time to move forward with your life. Don’t be afraid to seek some professional help. A professional can help you work through your feelings and help you build your self-esteem back up. Don’t let a bad relationship break your spirit.

Could Low Self-Esteem Be A Sign of Depression?

September 29, 2009 by editor Leave a Comment

Low Self-Esteem Could Threaten Your Health

Low self-esteem can cause a lot of problems – both emotionally and physically – when left untreated. Here are some ways that it can threaten your health and what you can do to avoid them.

Depression – Depression is the first thing that happens when a person has low self-esteem. They start to feel worthless, which isolates them from their friends and family. Isolation only encourages them to think negative thoughts about themselves, which causes depression to go deeper. In severe cases, some resort to suicide.

Anxiety – Low self-esteem causes a person to have little confidence in themselves, which can cause fear and panic attacks when they’re faced with a situation they don’t want to be in.

Stress – Stress is a part of everyone’s lives, but it can seem enhanced for someone who’s suffering from low self-esteem. They’re not likely to take the steps necessary to avoid some of their stress, which causes their anxiety to build.

Weight Gain – People often try to fill the void of self-esteem with food. They ultimately start gaining weight to the point of being obese. Gaining too much weight causes heart problems, diabetes, and a host of other illnesses.

Weight Loss – While some people gain weight, others tend to binge and purge their food or starve themselves, thinking they will gain a more satisfying appearance. Unfortunately, they never reach a level where they are satisfied with their look and they become extremely sick, often to the point of no return without professional help.

Addictions – Some end up being addicted to street drugs or prescription drugs. They get high on these drugs and live that moment in time in a different world where they have no cares and no problems. Unfortunately they can end up brain damaged or dead if the addiction isn’t dealt with early on.

Alcohol abuse – Some turn to alcohol to try to forget their problems and feel better about themselves. They substitute alcohol as their friend because it provides them with the confidence they yearn for, but haven’t developed.

It makes them feel almost invincible and they do things they wouldn’t normally have the guts to do. Alcohol becomes an addiction and then over time, the abuse of it can cause liver problems, heart disease and contribute to the development of cancer.

These are only a few of the things that low self-esteem can cause. It’s important that the person with little or no self-esteem gets some help in building their confidence back up. If left untreated for too long, these health problems (and even more serious ones) can occur.