Self image - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Message Board

Henrik · 07-05-2003, 05:18 PM

Don´t really know what to write...
but how is it possible to accept yourself? I don´t know. I´m 31 and have not learnt yet... When will I ever learn?

The problems concerning my self image has become a new obsession - especially when I am together with other people. How can I get rid of it......????!!!!????

Feel like Leonard Cohen:

"I asked my father

I said, "Father change my name."

The one I'm using now, it's covered up

With fear and filth and cowardice and shame"

[This message has been edited by Henrik (edited 07-05-2003).]

*music23* · 07-11-2003, 06:42 PM

Henrik-
Loving yourself can be a very, very hard thing. Part of the reason I wanted to write back is that I saw nobody responded and you are still an important person!! Sometimes doing something as simple as just doing something nice for yourself can help you with that. Everyone has good qualities. Think of them instead of your faults for a change. Write them down and tape it to a mirror. I wish I had more concrete advice! Just please know that you are cared for here!
Kristina

Henrik · 07-19-2003, 09:28 AM

Hi Kristina,

thanks a lot for your answer (and THAT you answered) - great words!

I will try to follow your advice - to appreciate the simple things in life that I like. Though they are not many... like listening to music.

Glad to know that I am cared for here.

Henrik

[This message has been edited by Henrik (edited 07-19-2003).]

Ariel-Rose · 08-12-2003, 09:04 PM

Hi Henrik...

I suffer from OCD & my self image/confidence was very poor as well...It takes time for you to build your confidence...Like Music23 said think of your positive points rather than what you see as your negative points...I have found, that I am most definitely my worst critic...I hope things are better for you

madcat · 08-15-2003, 01:49 PM

You could try getting immersed in your work or passion. Search for these if you don't have either.

Take a trip and just try to enjoy yourself...

I'm right there with you friend. But from what I can tell the only way forward is to learn some of the lessons given to you from your past...drop the weight your carrying around from the past no matter how great or how small...and think positively about the future while enjoying the present in any form possible.

It ain't easy, but it beats thinking that for the rest of my life the blinds have to be pulled down to block the blue sky. I'm not willing to let go of that optimism.

No longer feel the need to be validated by others opinions of you. Just work on becoming your own friend and talking kindly with yourself - even through a rough situation...to me it's the only way.

I don't think there is a better time to start than exactly this minute. If something ill happened this morning it's okay, start changing the way you see that situation now.

And again I'm in the same boat just on a different river.

[This message has been edited by madcat (edited 08-15-2003).]