Negative Self Image

[RedSoxFan45]

Hello everyone!

I am wondering if anyone could recommend any books on coping with a negative self image. It is something I’ve suffered with my entire life. Even when I have confidence beaming it comes into play. I’ve sort of figured out that it is the root of many of my problems including spiritual and moral problems. I realize a Catholic therapist would be best but that is not really in the budget right now. For now I will have to work with books. Any suggestions?

 

[ClearWater]

Hello everyone!

I am wondering if anyone could recommend any books on coping with a negative self image. It is something I’ve suffered with my entire life. Even when I have confidence beaming it comes into play. I’ve sort of figured out that it is the root of many of my problems including spiritual and moral problems. I realize a Catholic therapist would be best but that is not really in the budget right now. For now I will have to work with books. Any suggestions?

I’ve heard “Healing the Child Within” is a good one.

Low self esteem often comes from growing up in an environment where one wasn´t valued or was, say, put down. Then, this later came to be internalized.

Maybe some kind of support group, like one of those 12-step groups, might be another additional option to go along with the groups.

 

[Caroline723]

Conrad Baars books are also good: Healing the Unaffirmed and Feeling and Healing your Emotions are two that come to mind. Conrad Baars was a Catholic psychiatrist.

I don’t know how old you are, but aging and a strong spiritual life will help decrease that negative self image as well. Events that were a blow to your self esteem in your 20s, will not have that same effect in your 30s and beyond. As you do good works for others, and internalize the value God places on you, you will start to feel more confident and capable. A bit of spiritual direction would help also, if that’s a possibility for you.

 

[Anne1964]

One of the things that helped me tremendously was when I first began to truly believe that Jesus loves me just the way I am. I was a weekend retreat and the priest kept hammering that point at us, that Jesus loves all of us, you and me. That evening during Adoration I was praying and suddenly I believed It was a beautiful moment and I started crying when I realized He really does love me, with all of my faults and quirks and just plain humanness.

So, in addition to reading books (I also recommend Conrad Baars), spend time in Adoration with the One who loves you.