Combating Negative Self-worth

When you hear something you don't believe, what happens? Do you consider that the statement may be true or do you adhere more strongly to your original belief? Chances are that you simply adhere to your original belief and search out supporting evidence for that belief.

So why is that important for those suffering from a mood disorder?

What happens if you are down on yourself, let's say your appearance and someone tells you how nice you look. Are you likely to change your self-appraisal? Will you say, "Maybe I do look nice." Perhaps, but the lower your self-esteem, the more likely you are to brush off the compliment and stick with your original belief that you do not look nice.

Now think about how you view your personal worth. When others suggest they value you, do you accept this or reject the belief. Do you allow your negative thoughts about yourself to be challenged or do you simply look for more evidence that supports negative thoughts about yourself?

Finally, how is your mood affected by hearing compliments? Do you accept the compliment and feel better about yourself? Or do you reject the compliment and remind yourself of why you do not deserve such a positive comment?

Can you see how you can get into a pattern of negative thoughts about yourself which digs an ever deeper hole of poor self-esteem. To dig out of this dark hole, you must allow yourself you see positive qualities as reflected in what others say about you. Accept the truth in compliments. Start to give yourself compliments!