Short messages on Mental health, stress and anxiety issues from Respect Yourself, the guidance site for young people to help make good decisions in life.
Empathetic listening and acknowledgement means giving someone the chance to feel like they fit into the order of the world.
No matter how you perceive your looks, how smart you are, how wealthy you are, how many friends you have: you can build up your self-esteem because it’s up to you to give yourself value.
Whilst having low self-esteem is not your fault, recognise that self-esteem is a product of your mind. It’s in your hands to change it and improve it until it is something that comes naturally to you. It will simply be who you are.
Much as it may feel like it, your problem is not the biggest. Other people have lived through it. Your situation is not impossible to solve.
If someone has a problem but hasn’t asked for advice, try listening, conveying empathy and asking questions so they can tap into their own immense personal resources.
After acknowledging an initial disappointment, choose to be optimistic and grateful for what you have. You don’t always get your first choice, but that doesn’t mean you can’t learn to love your 7th.
Stress is a natural part of a hard work, but it doesn’t have to cripple you. Take a break, breathe, and slowly work through it.
If tidying up seems a large and daunting task, start small by tackling the current clutter a room at a time. Prevent future build-up by using the mantra “Don’t put it down, put it away”.
Some people feel weighed down when their home is untidy or cluttered, or embarrassed to invite people around. Making and actioning a plan to get rid of clutter and tidy up can lift your mood.
Giving someone in pain advice based on our experiences crowds out what a distressed person really does need – a reflection, pure acknowledgement, to be seen and listened to.