Topic : Self Image

There is hope!!  I know it doesn't seem like it but there is.....  There is always a hope even when we can't see it.  i know have a hard time holding on to that, we all do but hope never dies even if we think it does.  It's one of those things that even if you think it is gone it's still there but you can't see it....... hmmmm yeah.......  i'm guessing maybe your a christian since you said spiritually. The reason i can say this about hope is because one time when i thought i would never hope again God reminded me that He is Hope and when I lose hope i have forgotten who He is.  I hate to hope for things but I just always remember whether I hope for things or not Hope is still alive because God is still alive and by ourside!!  when i think of how i bellieve those things i often wonder how am i stuck here why am i like this what's my problem........  we can know, believe and ask for things but it's not untill we are willing and ready to accept/recieve those things that we will see.......  It's not about seeing to believe but believing to see.......  ya know........  it's just not easy!!  it is so painful only some of us like myself hide from the pain as if it weren't there.....  but still i know no matter how much i hide it doesn't just go away...........  search your heart, what does your heart say.......... 

When it comes to self image, it's important to remember not to compare SELF to OTHERS.

Keeping that in mind, I do struggle with self image. I have to try to compare myself to myself, I've gotten so far from that. Spent many years tring to see myself through others. Big mistake. 

 I have to seperate myself from others, because I have also learned that I cannot build myself from the inside, through others. I can build myself up on what others think, even easier I could be torn to pieces, inside. Living who I am through other peoples scope, has set me so far from who I am.

Rebuilding self image comes from the inside -  That is a BIG discovery for me! 

Once upon a time, someone bought me a gift. On it a quote, "You only think you know, who I am". They bought it for me because that's how they saw me in the relationships in my life. 

Looking back......., as a teen I was always accused of things I never did, being someone I wasn't, always mis-understood, didn't have a positive support system at home.  Boy was I relieved when someone stepped up and really saw me for who that was! 

Feeling wrong and trying hard to prove myself to others is the quickest way to lose purpose. I have accomplished that!

Being an adult now, I struggle more than ever, with image. I have take some steps back to go forward. OR does it really have to be that hard? Crawling out of my own skin isn't an option, not matter how many times I wish I could.  When people introduce me, I am, "The one with all the kids, and, I don't envy you.  Wow! you have your hands full......" That doesn't say much about WHO I am. There is so much more to ME, if I don't get it then how can anyone else?

Being admitted to emegency one yr.ago.,passing out from pain, not able to speak much for myself,  the hospital staff  threw nasty lables on me accussed me of doing drugs before I was offered a wheel chair or gurney from the vehical, in the driveway. My medical records on the admitting papers read,  alcoholic. They never diagnosed the life threatening condition. I had to be sent out to another hospital, that finally got it, in time and saved my life! TGFT!

When I spoke to hospital administration, she asked why the labels bother me so much.

They weren't treating the symptoms they were trying to justify the labels they slapped on me, it almost cost me my life.

If that would have never happened, I wouldn't have been able to unfold all the things I've allowed to tear me apart inside, insted of having a clear vision of who I am and being able to embrace that. Not to allow another day go on, being, dependant on others for that.  

I have to reflect on, who I truely am and what I stand for stay true to ME. Above all things, seperating myself from what others want to believe about me, is the greatest discovery. No wonder my self image has been fogged, over the years.

This is only the begging for me...... I hope to benefit as I explore more through this journey....    

I have a poor self image of myself. I always think myself is fat. I also think i am ugly. Its hard for me tolive the way I do.

I admire you for being so candid about how you are feeling and what is happening in your world.  I am sure that you are reaching other people on a personal note who may be experiencing similar feelings.

Even though you may feel sometimes that "there is no escaping from this depression...", just by you reaching out and sharing your experience shows that there is a bit of escaping going on...!  You're taking positive steps away from succumbing as a victim.

Keep searching for solutions, though.  You are in charge of you.  Your last sentence sounds a bit like you're defeated.  Don't wait for others to just give you solutions, keep going and keep trying to find something or someone that can help.  It's your LIFE, your only one.  It's worth continuing the fight to get full control for yourself!  Until you get control of you, no amount of trying is "enough".

You have made some good points.

Spirituality does not necessarily mean "christian", though.  Religion and spirituality, although often referred to as one, are very different things.  There are many people who are spiritual, but do not believe in God or Jesus, and there are a lot of christians (and other religious people) who are not necessarily spiritual...although one could argue that by being a human precludes us to be spiritual beings, but now I'm way off topic.

 

A lot of people eat when they're stressed or depressed.  And a lot of people gain weight and then that starts a circle where the over-eating stresses and depresses them.  You have two things going on here, though: 1. how you deal with stress and 2. you're diabetic.

This is a lot to deal with, especially at 15.  Do you have any support?  A parent? A school cousellor? A diabetes clinic?  You need to understand your diabetes and how to manage it.  Some diets can be harmful to diabetics, so find someone who can help you figure this out.  You need to eat the right things in the right amount, at the right times which can be different for someone without diabetes.  Are your sugars controlled?  That can sometimes wreak havoc on your moods as well.  A diabetes clinic can also help you find different ways to deal with stress.  Stress can make your sugar control much more difficult too.  Ask your doctor or your school to help you find these resources...it's not a weight thing, it's a healthy you thing  : )

As for exercise, good that you're walking!  Think about what you would enjoy to do as exercise...if you like to dance, or you like to walk, or swim...it makes a big difference if it's something you really enjoy.  Then you can plan your meals with your exercise and your body will be able to burn the right fuel.  Be careful and get support...diabetes can be controlled and it can be very dangerous if it isn't...learn how you can keep yourself healthy...getting knowledge about your diabetes will make it seem much more handle-able.

I knew that but didn't really think about that until after i wrote it....... i don't know why i didn't think of it....... hmmmmm yeah.........  it's not that i knew i mean i know...... ha if that makes since.......  i know that spirituality consist of many different things.....  i think i just wasn't really thinking when i wrote it.....  i thought it when i read it the first time then i read it again and ..... hmmmm yeah.........  so i don't know what spirituality it is but still........ 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FDAi4jmV6Q

 

I certainly have self-image issues, which is natural for being 20 years old, but one of my diagnosises is Body Dysmorphic Disorder. I was diagnosed with that because of a more specific disorder I have: Compulsive Skin Picking

 

Seeing videos such as this is a real wake up call that perfection is flawless, nothing is flawless, so nothing is perfect.

wow what a great video

I feel that Dr. Phil is doing a good service for many people on this planet and I enjoy watching his show. What I am hoping is that some of you will be kind enough to reply to this post, letting me know how Dr. Phil has helped you. Why? My teenage daughter is doing a speech about "One of the Greatest Americans" on Thursday and she chose to talk about Dr. Phil. Thank you in advance to those of you willing to help.