Living with low Self Esteem as Christian

CRiley said:

I'm new to this forum and have been struggling with my mental health for a long time.

I've had depression for a number of years and have also got severe anxiety disorder. After many years of therapy and medication it has become apparent that this linked to my low self image of myself.

The question is how can I be a true believer in God if I have such a hatred of the way he has made me. I see myself as such a failure and truly have no love for who I am and no faith in my abilities. I've read the bible over and over and prayed but it just doesn't sink in. This is a deep rooted problem in which I am once again beginning to seek therapy as it's starting affect my life and how I speak with other people.

Has anyone got any advice?

Thank you.

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I don't have any advice, but I struggle with depression, anxiety, and hating myself too. I don't know how to solve it. I have such bad anxiety that I can barely drive a car. I'm too scared to drive anywhere on my own that is new. I barely drive to school and the grocery store, and that is it. I also see myself as a failure. I've read the whole Bible once, but I probably haven't read it as much as you have. You're not alone in this.

CRiley said:

I'm new to this forum and have been struggling with my mental health for a long time....Has anyone got any advice?

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CRiley, welcome and please accept my sincere sympathy for you condition. As you probably know, the Christian life is a life of faith -- believing God, believing His Word, and believing on the Lord Jesus Christ.

But this faith must translate into new actions and new attitudes based upon what God has said. So here are some of the things God has said in order for you to have a proper estimate of yourself:

1. YOU ARE A CHILD OF GOD (John 1:12,13) -- Do you believe this without the shadow of a doubt?

2. YOU ARE AN HEIR OF GOD (Romans 8:17)-- Do you believe this without the shadow of a doubt?

3. YOU ARE WITHIN A ROYAL PRIESTHOOD (1 Pet 2:5,9) -- -- Do you believe this without the shadow of a doubt?

We could go into many other aspects of who you are, but if you can believe these three things without the shadow of a doubt, then you should be able to adjust your mental attitude and your behavior accordingly. You will need to meditate on these Scriptures, believe them without the shadow of a doubt, and step outside your home with confidence and courage. If the Holy Spirit is within you, His power is available to you (Eph 3:20).

orangeness365 said:

I don't have any advice, but I struggle with depression, anxiety, and hating myself too. I don't know how to solve it. I have such bad anxiety that I can barely drive a car. I'm too scared to drive anywhere on my own that is new. I barely drive to school and the grocery store, and that is it. I also see myself as a failure. I've read the whole Bible once, but I probably haven't read it as much as you have. You're not alone in this.

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Right, you described me perfectly..i can barely drive too...i feel like a waste of space

It's ok. It will all be better soon. Praying for you!

Depression / Anxiety. I have / do suffer with those. Been very bad at times too.

Still on the meds, approx 13 years later! I get good days and bad days but, you know, the one thing that has helped me more than anything? My faith! Jesus. My love of God.

I have failed terribly in life but i have continued to stick hard to my faith. It has not been easy. God is there for us. We need to continually ask him for help, guidance, mercy and love.

You can beat this to a level where you can live a normal life. Life may not be 100% normal but it will be close. Keep God close to your heart. Offer up your sufferings to him, daily.

God bless you