how to rebuild self esteem???

anyone have any ideas on rebuilding my self esteem or actually finding it for the first time? i've battled depression for years and had issues with confidence and self esteem and trying to meet other peoples standards. I've basically been controlled by other peoples perceptions and lived to impress or gain approval while disrespecting myself terribly. How can I break free of caring what others do, say, think, etc, etc ?? desperately trying to gain a sense of self, figure out who i am and why and find peace.......anyone have any experience in this area? thnx

Well im seeing a therapist for self esteem at the moment. I finally brought myself to seek help. Hes really helping me, especially because hes so ######6 cool. I think you should just get out as much as you can and recognize when you feel the way you do and try to develop your own skills to change them. Talk to your friends about how you feel and ask them if they can help you out in any way possible. I find that marijuana helps me out too but, i am not saying you should start using it. I hope I helped you out in any way.

Hey.

Self-esteem is all about reshaping ourselves and our attitudes so that we please firstly ourselves but also others. It is fragile.

If we are always trying to meet the expectations of others, what's left for us? So, break the habit and try to understand that being yourself and being comfortable in your own surroundings is the key. Of course if this affect others detrimentally, I think you might be going overboard then.

Obviously, there is no quick remedy for a low self-esteem but with time, you'll manage to adjust yourself so you feel better with yourself and around others.

Hope this helps.

infekt

Perhaps one way to gain back some self esteem and self respect is to start a new hobby and/or pursue an interest maybe something you've always had an interest for but had supressed because of what others might think of you. i'd go for something that doesn't put too much pressure on you, maybe even something that is very indulgent...like learning how to make sushi....just throwing it out there...
i'd go about doing big life changes slowly (unless your personal safety is at stake)and with careful thought....for instance like changing jobs. First you have to get to know yourself again and starting a new hobby is a good way, I find.