The FastDay Forum

I am an old has been binger That being so I have had to deal with issues of very low self esteem.
I have read some posts that sadden me as I am reminded of how I used to feel myself.
So my question to the forum is: What can you share to help people understand how to get over their own feelings of low self esteem ?

I think much of it has to do with the minds uncanny ability to focus on negative reinforcement of those feelings whilst ignoring all the positive things that we do, think, feel or have commented to us. To get that switch to reinforcing positivity is what cognitive behaviour therapy aims to do.

Yes that's one avenue Moscow, I'm not sure if your in the UK but if not here it's pretty expensive privately and there is a very long NHS list.

[carorees]

A sense of being in control of ones life helps with self esteem I think. This fasting lifestyle seems to give a sense of control so that food stops being a dominant factor in our lives and that must help. I think we must all try to help people not to become obsessed with the scales and tape measure though. Just fasting will improve health and attitudes to food, weight loss is a happy by product.

When I have a negative thought towards myself or someone I replace it with 3 positive ones. Still practising

http://www.llttf.com/

There's actually quite a lot of (free) help available if you look for it. The website above is based on the author's books as well and they are pretty good, though more to do with depression. But these things are often linked.

For mainly men in Scotland, there is

http://www.breathingspacescotland.co.uk/bspace/CCC_FirstPage.jsp

and generally if you ask at places like CAB, they can point you in the direction of local organisations.

Best way is to to get into the habit of acknowledging negative thoughts and then thinking about positive ways to deal with them, as Pashcaline suggests above.

"What can you share to help people understand how to get over their own feelings of low self esteem ?"

There are pharmaceuticals that help. See the doctor.

Okay so we have drugs and local organisations, I'm now thinking self help in the form of simple mind exercises or perhaps some personal tips gained from first hand experience.

moodscope.com is a site many find helpful, your daily numbers can be emailed to a friend or support buddy.

That's a new one on me I'll take a look later, thanks.

Go horse riding! It might sound stupid but it really takes you out of yourself and is good exercise too. This site has been set up to encourage everyone, especially older beginners, in the wake of the Olympic success last year. http://www.hoofride.co.uk/

[carorees]

Mindfulness is a great way to deal with all kinds of problems including depression, low self esteem, insomnia, chronic pain...

Its role in preventing relapse in depression is such that mindfulness courses can be prescribed on the NHS.

Dr M (our hero) is currently working on a TV programme on mindfulness, according to his twitter feed.

Go horse riding! It might sound stupid but it really takes you out of yourself and is good exercise too. This site has been set up to encourage everyone, especially older beginners, in the wake of the Olympic success last year. http://www.hoofride.co.uk/

I loved my riding lessons but they are so expensive, pretty much the same as private counselling!

Used to go when I worked but can't justify it now. I probably need to find someone to lend me a horse occasionally, I would love to ride on the local beach.

True but there are a lot of special offers about with this hoofride thing and think of the amount we are all saving on food costs.

Low self esteem is often associated with and can be a symptom of depression and anxiety. CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) can provide help with managing these conditions. It can teach you how to develop coping strategies, alter thought patterns, graduated behavioural exposure, etc.

It’s worth speaking to your GP to find out what’s available in your area. Many authorities offer 1-2-1 counselling, group counselling, or even online courses if you would rather try to go it alone (you still need to see a Counsellor every 6-8 weeks, I believe).

There are also many good self help books which explain CBT and can help with this issue.