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I Need Tips on Improving My Self-Esteem

31 July, 2024
Q Assalamualaikum, I am an ex-student waiting for my finals result to come up in couple of months. Hence, I just wonder what to do if you feel very "useless" and "strange" because I grew up living with these words from my friends and family.

I grew up being bullied for 6 years in my life and I haven't any close friends in my school days until now. I spent myself reading when I have nobody to talk to, and people often judge me by my actions. I feel inferior often.

Sometimes, I would catch myself crying afterwards. I knew if I try to ignore them with self-love, it would hurt me less. So, because I have more free time after my finals, I try to do new activities like drawing, learn mathematics and learning how to code just to prove that I'm not useless. However, they criticize me that I won't be a better in any of those activities I just did.

In fact, I want to lose weight to gain more self-confidence but my parents are unsupportive and didn't respect my choices to go on a diet because I was gaining so much weight because of stress. I feel insecure and useless. I felt like a burden and it's better if I'm not exist. I want to change my mindset but why I felt so beaten up with these words that are in the past. As if, it determined who I am…and I really appreciate if you could give me advice. Jazakallahu khairan kathira for listening.

Answer

Sometimes people hurt you due to their own insecurities, jealousies, or ignorance.

Bullying and constant criticism can “build in”; you might end up feeling that you are as they see you.

Positive reinforcement and affirmations would be very important to make you feel loved and worthy.

You can still work on your self-esteem as you get older, despite your negative experiences.

Journaling and constant affirmations are excellent tools to develop confidence. How?

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Check out the following tips on building self-esteem here.

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Disclaimer: The conceptualization and recommendations stated in this response are very general and purely based on the limited information provided in the question. In no event shall AboutIslam, its counselors or employees be held liable for any damages that may arise from your decision in the use of our services.

About Aisha Mohammad
Aisha has a PhD in psychology, an MS in public health and a PsyD. Aisha worked as a Counselor/Psychologist for 12 years at Geneva B. Scruggs Community Health Care Center in New York. She has worked with clients with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, panic disorder, trauma, and OCD. She also facilitated support groups and provided specialized services for victims of domestic violence, HIV positive individuals, as well youth/teen issues. Aisha is certified in Mindfulness, Trauma Informed Care, Behavioral Management, Restorative Justice/ Healing Circles, Conflict Resolution, Mediation, and Confidentiality & Security. Aisha is also a Certified Life Coach, and Relationship Workshop facilitator. Aisha has a part-time Life Coaching practice in which she integrates the educational concepts of stress reduction, mindfulness, introspection, empowerment, self love and acceptance and spirituality to create a holistic healing journey for clients. Aisha is also a part of several organizations that advocates for prisoner rights/reentry, social & food justice, as well as advocating for an end to oppression & racism. In her spare time, Aisha enjoys her family, photography, nature, martial arts classes, Islamic studies, volunteering/charity work, as well as working on her book and spoken word projects.