Self-Confidence & Self-Esteem Issues / Question
Published: May 7, 2003
Dear TeenHealthFX,
Hi, I am fifteen and I'm so confused about life. I have a very low self-esteem. I have never been able to trust a guy... I guess that's why all my relationships have ended. any of the guys I've been with have used me for my body. I think I'm butt ugly but my friends and family keep telling me I'm gorgeous.. right that BS lol. I haven't been with a guy for about three months now. that's crazy long and I'm missing it so much. sex would be great right now. its just that I cant even look at myself... and I don't know how other people can even stand to look at me... I think I'm pathetic. what do I do?
Signed: I Think I'm Pathetic
Dear I Think I'm Pathetic,
TeenHealthFX is concerned about you. It seems your low self-esteem is having a negative impact on your life.
What should you do? You don't say how your self-esteem got to be so low, but trying to understand why it's low while trying to boost it will help you start feeling better. TeenHealthFX recommends that you seek professional help - talking to a therapist can help you discover why you are feeling this way as well as help you design strategies to build your self-esteem. You can also check out our answer to Modeling And Low Self-Esteem for some ways you can start building your self-esteem on your own.
We recommend that you talk to your parents about how you are feeling. They can help you find a professional and also provide support to you. If you live in northern New Jersey you can contact Atlantic Behavioral Health at 888.2471400 for help in finding a therapist. Outside of this area, you can log onto the US Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's website to locate services in your area.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
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