Weekly Prompt #24: What triggers your feelings of low self-esteem?
Hello all!
Last week we discussed- Imagine encountering someone who is visibly upset or distressed. How can you offer support and comfort to them in a meaningful way? If you haven't checked yet, please click here to add your thoughts.
This week's prompt is: What triggers your feelings of low self-esteem? Is it specific situations, certain people, or your own internal voice?
Today I want us to reflect upon our self-esteem and what affects it. Understanding the triggers can help you develop strategies to overcome them. Please share and discuss here among us.
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@ASilentObserverHey,
You know, it's a bit of a mixed bag for me. Sometimes, it's like my own mind becomes this battleground of self-doubt. The internal voice can be pretty relentless, especially when it starts comparing where I am to where I think I should be. It's like this constant pressure to measure up.
Certain situations can definitely act as triggers too. If I feel like I've fallen short in something important or if I perceive judgment from others, that can hit hard. It's like this sinking feeling that everyone else has it together, and I'm just stumbling through.
People play a part too. Negative or critical comments from certain individuals can linger in my mind, replaying like a broken record. It's hard not to let those opinions seep into how I see myself.
But you know what's weird? Sometimes, it's the smallest achievements or positive interactions that can give me a boost and kind of break the cycle. It's like finding a little sunshine in the midst of the storm.
What about you? Any specific triggers that you've noticed? Maybe we can swap stories and tips for navigating those tricky moments.
Cheers,
@glisteningLight2506 Thank you for sharing openly about your experience. Internal pressures can be intense at times, with self-doubt and comparison adding to a heavy load. I can understand how comments from others, even if small, might weigh on the mind in those vulnerable moments too. At the same time, you mentioned that small achievements or positive interactions can provide a boost and break the cycle, finding some sunshine amidst the storm. You mentioned small successes providing boosts - how do you recognize and appreciate those moments for yourself?
@ASilentObserver
When my family members doubt my capabilities
@Seleni919 It is very understandable that doubt from family could trigger difficult feelings. What is it been like dealing with those moments?
@ASilentObserver
Very frustrating to be honest and sometimes it feels like I need another home within my own home, just to be myself
@Seleni919 It sounds really difficult to feel like you need another home within your own home just to be yourself. What helps you feel more at ease in moments when it all feels frustrating? You deserve to feel comfortable being yourself.
@ASilentObserver
I think hearing music helps a lot and sometimes a short nap
@Seleni919 both sounds like a good steps to take, seleni. keep taking them up and know we here for you as well.
@ASilentObserver Whenever someone talk about relationship and love, I feel something awful in me.
@amiableFig7651 It sounds like feelings come up for you when relationship and love are discussed. Would you like to share more what comes to mind when you hear about others' experiences of love?
@ASilentObserver I always think of my failures and it makes me feel awful inside, I start hating myself and others
@ASilentObserver
My own internal voice, I think 😞
@LoveMyMoonflowers sorry to hear that flowers. It sounds like your internal voice can be quite harsh at times. How does that make you feel about yourself in those moments?
@ASilentObserver
it can, yeah 😞 tbh it makes me feel pretty worthless and idk… it’s a little hard to explain sometimes.
@ASilentObserver
For me, triggered by people then maintained by my own thoughts. I can sustain feedbacks to a certain limit then it starts becoming overwhelming as I try to correct and work upon each feedback given. That brings low self esteem and chain of thoughts.
Later I reconcile myself by accepting me as everyone has some flaws so I am part of the crew.
Happiness resides within us. 😊
@enigmaticpanda4152 Thank you for sharing about how feedback from others can sometimes be overwhelming. It sounds like you put a lot of pressure on yourself to meet others' expectations. You are wise in finding ways to boost your own self-esteem, such as accepting your own humanity with compassion. How does focusing so much on others' feedback make you feel internally?
@ASilentObserver
Initially I take it in sporting manner like that is an opportunity for me to learn and grow.
But as we know everyone has there own mindset about how things should be, impressions about others etc. They suggest accordingly.
After introspection, I concluded this reason.
I overcame with this thought that as everyone has there own perspective, we may not fit ever.
There onwards I have introduced a check point inside me. After receiving feedback, I analyze if it is for my own growth or result of their preception.
Self esteem is high and life is beautiful. 😊
@enigmaticpanda4152 Thank you for sharing your perspective, panda. It sounds like going through different feedback and finding your own way of evaluating it was a process of learning and growth. I am glad to hear you've found a way to maintain confidence while remaining open.
@ASilentObserver
Thanks for your support Observer. 😊
@enigmaticpanda4152 absolutely, Panda. We are all here for each other to support. Thank you for your presence and support as well.
@ASilentObserver
Honestly, I don't really know. I'll be chilling on the couch and I'm hit with this wave of anxiety. I start questioning my entire life, career path, productivity, and physical health.
@JollyRacher It sounds like those waves of anxiety can be really difficult to experience. Reflecting on so many aspects of life at once would be overwhelming for anyone. What kinds of thoughts tend to come up most when you feel this way? Y
@ASilentObserver
✨
What are you doing in life? What have you actually accomplished? Am I ever going to amount to something? Will I ever be good enough? Will I ever get to leave? Will I be stuck here forever? My life is in shambles. My grades are dropping. The house is filthy. Am I lazy? I have no idea what I really want. What do I really want? Is this what I want or want they want from me? Who am I really? Do I even like this? Why am I like this? Why can't I just get things done? What's wrong with me?✨
@JollyRacher hmm, sounds like you are experiencing a lot of uncertainty and questioning yourself. Those can be difficult feelings to navigate. You seem concerned about measuring up to expectations, both your own and others'. But it's your journey, and there is no single "right" path or timeline. Please know that you deserve to feel at peace with yourself.
Feeling like I should be different than the way that I am. I don’t feel like I really have anything going for me except external factors that I have no control over. It’s nice to be told you’re beautiful but the times I’ve had my personality, intentions, or intelligence insulted or misunderstood ring louder in my memories. I think I dwell on the past too much and I worry about what other people think.
@spicyavocado3788 It sounds like you are experiencing some difficult feelings of self-doubt. Those critical memories can be hard to shake. Reflecting on hurtful memories from the past can make those doubts louder. What matters most is how you see yourself - your character, intentions and abilities.
@ASilentObserver for me it's when i get lonely. when my friends don't talk to me for a while or they don't respond or i don't hang out with anyone. it makes me feel unwanted and uncared for, but reaching out makes me feel clingy and annoying.
@cloverisconfused It sounds like feeling lonely and disconnected from friends causes you a lot of distress. Feeling unwanted and uncared for is really painful. we are all here with you to listen to and to support, clover you are not alone in this
@ASilentObserver thank you <3 I appreciate that
Any time someone gets frustrated or annoyed with me when I'm doing something I think is normal, including and especially my parents.
Also whenever I start to compare myself to other people. Everyone seems so much more "cool" or "interesting" or put together a lot better than I am.
@DitaBear It sounds like comparing yourself to others and feeling frustrated by your parents leaves you feeling less than. Your feelings are understandable. What matters most is how you see yourself and treat yourself with compassion. If I can ask what gives you a sense of purpose or joy in your own life?
@ASilentObserver I'm not really sure about sense of purpose but joy-wise, I do really love my cat (and any other pet I've had before), listening to music and going out for walks on my own 😊
@DitaBear It is lovely that you find joy in your cat, music, and walks. Spending time with pets and in nature can be very soothing. I am glad you are tuned into activities that are good for your well-being.
I was trying very hard to crack an exam and was studying for that. Then all of sudden my sister told me that i am not utilising my full time to study and she talked to me in a way that i am putting less effort. And i didnt respond back. Not being able to respond back,that triggered me.
@anonySummer5462 It is understandable that conversation with your sister would trigger difficult feelings. Not being able to respond in the moment can feel frustrating. What were you thinking and feeling in that moment with your sister?
I was never expecting that conversation, in my mind i was really working hard. So first thought was why would she asked me this. Next thing was may be she is right, i am not putting too much effort.even if i work hard nobody will appreciate me. My hardwork doesnt count. I am joke for everyone. Even if i responded back she will say something and i wont be able to answer to that and i will hurt more badly. May be i am the problem. Its problem with my thinking..