Winton Eliott
Everyone will have moments when they feel like they’re not good enough. Our self-esteem is never constant; it ebbs and flows throughout our lives depending on the situation we’re facing.
Therefore, we may go through times when we feel inadequate in our ability to give or do anything.
You might go through certain times in your life when you feel very low self-esteem.
These distressing emotions might make you feel encumbered, but they aren’t accurate reflections of your actual value and dignity.
Why are people might feel worthless?
There are a few reasons why you may feel a sense of worthlessness. It includes:
Childhood trauma or abuse
Childhood trauma or abuse can be a significant contributing factor to feelings of worthlessness in adulthood.
Victims of abuse often internalize the message that they are somehow responsible for the abuse or that they are bad or undeserving of love and care.
This can lead to a deep sense of shame and self-loathing, which can be difficult to overcome.
Low self-esteem
Low self-esteem can be one of the main reasons you may feel a sense of worthlessness.
When you perceive yourself in a negative light, it’s easy to feel that you’re not good enough and that everyone else is better than you.
This can lead to feelings of inadequacy, insecurity, and self-doubt.
Anxiety and depression
Anxiety and depression can lead to feelings of worthlessness. When you’re anxious, you may ruminate on your perceived faults and shortcomings, magnifying them until they feel insurmountable.
This can lead to a sense that you’re not good enough or that you’ll never be able to meet your own standards, which in turn can trigger depressive symptoms.
Not meeting societal expectations or personal goals
Society places a lot of importance on success.
Whether it’s landing the perfect job, having a thriving social life, or maintaining a successful relationship, we are constantly bombarded with messages about what we should be striving for.
It’s no wonder, then, that so many of us feel a sense of worthlessness when we don’t meet these expectations.
Just because we don’t have a perfect life doesn’t mean we are any less valuable as individuals.
Negative self-talk
It’s not uncommon to feel down on yourself from time to time. Everyone has off days where they feel like they can’t do anything right.
However, if you find that you’re regularly engaging in negative self-talk, it may be indicative of a larger problem.
Negative self-talk can lead to a sense of worthlessness and despair. It can make you feel like you’re not good enough and that you’ll never amount to anything.
However, it is important to remember that these feelings are not a true reflection of who you are. You have worth and value just by being alive.
How to stop feeling worthless?
There are several tips to stop to overcome the feeling of being worthless, including:
Challenge negative thoughts
When you start to have negative or self-deprecating thoughts, challenge them. Ask yourself if they are really true and look for evidence that contradicts them.
This can help to reframe your thinking and prevent you from getting caught up in distorted beliefs about your worth.
Practice self-care
It’s easy to neglect our own needs when we’re feeling down on ourselves. However, taking care of yourself is essential for improving your self-esteem and overcoming feelings of worthlessness.
Take the time to do things that make you feel good, whether it’s practicing a hobby or spending time with loved ones.
Seek therapy
Talking to a therapist can be a helpful way to work through any underlying issues contributing to your feelings of worthlessness and learn new coping strategies.
Remember your worth
It can be easy to forget that your value as a person is not based on achievements or external factors.
Take some time to remind yourself of all the unique qualities and strengths you possess, and focus on building self-compassion and acceptance.
You are not alone
Feeling worthless is a common experience, and there is support available.
Reach out to loved ones or consider joining a support group to connect with others who may be going through similar struggles.
Remember that your worthlessness does not define you and with effort and support, you can overcome these feelings.
Practice positive self-talk
Instead of engaging in negative self-talk, try to focus on speaking kindly and positively to yourself.
Celebrate your successes, acknowledge your challenges and mistakes, and remind yourself that you are worthy of love and happiness.
Do things you enjoy
Doing things that bring you joy and make you feel fulfilled can boost your self-esteem and help combat feelings of worthlessness.
It’s important to engage in activities that make you happy and allow you to express yourself.
Focus on your strengths
Everyone has unique talents, skills, and attributes. Instead of dwelling on perceived faults or failures, focus on your strengths and what makes you unique.
This can help to build self-confidence and remind you of your worth as an individual.
Be kind to yourself
Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would show to a loved one. Remember that nobody is perfect and it’s important to give yourself grace and forgiveness.
You are valuable and worthy of love and happiness, no matter what challenges you may be facing.
Summary
Feeling worthless can be a very debilitating experience. However, it is important to remember that you are not alone in feeling this way and that there are things that you can do to start feeling better about yourself.
If you find yourself struggling with low self-esteem, reach out to a therapist or counselor who can help you work through these feelings.
Additionally, there are many self-help books and online resources available that can provide valuable insights and tools for improving your self-esteem.
With a little effort, you can start to break free from the negative cycle of feeling worthless and begin to feel good about yourself again.
