Self Esteem Post Weight Loss

[doopdoop]

You know, I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels this way. When I was heavier, I was less body-aware, and therefore had more self confidence because I didn't really -know- how I looked. Now, I find that even after losing a pretty good deal of weight, I only have less confidence than I ever had before. It's extremely saddening to be holding myself back twice as much now, when I feel like half of my reasoning for losing weight in the first place was to stop limiting myself in life. I just don't know know WHAT to do to try and regain some of this confidence. There are days when I look in the mirror and think that I'm pretty darn good looking, and then days when I feel completely worthless, like I shouldn't even bother trying to look good because I'll be inadequate next to someone else, anyway. /end rant

[Resolute]

I think everyone has days like this, personally i don't think i will ever be happy with how i look, i know i must look better to others though, for myself i now look at it as being healthy and strong moreso than if i can please others or myself with my appearance.

It's frustrating that one can't change their mental state as easily as their appearance, not that appearance is easy in any way but comparatively so, at least in my case.

I think you are normal, all messed up just like the rest of us, some are just better at hiding it.

[liliesinmycereal]

It's definitely hard. I know at times I have less confidence because I scrutinize my appearance so much but if you find things about you that you like just work with that!!!!! Like my favorite thing to do when I'm having a weird day is to put on a nice pair of heels or something so I can feel taller or wearing an outfit that reminds me I have a good figure or a pair of earrings that brings out my bone structure!

[puneri]

I am 58. I thot i looked good at 181. But, now with 164 i think i do not look good. I know, at my age i shud be thinking of my health and shud not bother about looks. I have grey hair for last 5to 6 years. I did not dye it. Now i feel i shud dye. I do not understand what is wrong with me.

[tkdtara84]

I have the same feelings, too. I went shopping a couple days ago, and the three way mirrors killed me! Because I don't see the back as much, I think I look better than I do. Anyway, everyone has those days, and I suppose the only way to combat it is to try to be nice to yourself. Pick out two or three things you like about the way you look every time you notice a flaw. I don't follow that advice most of the time, but I do keep in mind that I need to give myself compliments as well as notice the things I'd like to improve.