Know who to talk to about situations that make you anxious. Some people will help you gain perspective, while others will feed into your worries, doubts, and fears.
If the worry is solvable, start brainstorming. Make a list of all the possible solutions you can think of. Try not to get too hung up on finding the perfect solution. Focus on the things you have the power to change, rather than the circumstances or realities beyond your control. After you’ve evaluated your options, make a plan of action. Once you have a plan and start doing something about the problem, you’ll feel much less worried.
Productive, solvable worries are those you can take action on right away (for example, if you’re worried about your grades, you could speak to your teacher to see how you can improve). Unproductive, unsolvable worries are those for which there is no corresponding action (“What if I get cancer someday?” or “What if my children get into an accident?”).
Don’t let scenarios play out in your head if they didn’t happen; use your energy more productively and manage your thoughts and emotions more effectively.
If a worry pops into your head, start by asking yourself whether the problem is something you can actually solve. Is the problem something you’re currently facing, rather than an imaginary what-if? If the problem is an imaginary what-if, how likely is it to happen? Is your concern realistic? Can you do something about the problem or prepare for it, or is it out of your control?
The bad stuff that has happened in your life does not cancel out the good stuff. The good stuff still happened. Draw strength from the good, learn from the bad.
Bullying undermines self confidence and lowers self-esteem. Recently 65% of people surveyed with eating disorders felt bullying contributed.
Trying to control someone against their will is bullying. It can frequently have the opposite effect of that intended. Constantly trying to control someone creates an atmosphere of resentment and an unbalanced relationship.
Knowing what makes you happy and how to meet your goals can help you feel capable, strong, and in control of your life. A positive attitude and a healthy lifestyle (such as exercising and eating right) are a great combination for building good self-confidence.
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If you are affected by depression, you are not ‘just’ sad or upset. You have an illness which means that intense feelings of persistent sadness, helplessness and hopelessness are accompanied by physical effects such as sleeplessness, a loss of energy, or physical aches and pains.
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