how do you get your self confidence back after depression?

Answer 1

try doing this.

1. set a goal for yourself. (like accumulating 100 points in yahoo answers in one day)
2. accomplish the goal. no matter how hard.
3. smile while reflecting on what you have just done.

Answer 2

Find something creative and interesting to occupy yourself with - preferably something that is useful and worthwhile to others.

This will enable you to regard yourself as a valued member of a community rather than a victim or a hopeless ill person in need of help.

By doing something fun, creative and useful you can start to recognise that you are someone with a lot of great ideas, personality and care that you can give back to others.

I'm not suggesting that you turn into a self-sacrificing saint and devote all your energy to others (because I know that with depression energy levels can get totally knocked and also, this can be just as damaging as depression) but just find a once a week voluntary project or take up a creative class and that way all of the energy that goes into the illness can be directed into something positive.

This has worked for me and I'm now well and functioning and working for a non-profit organisation doing peace and reconciliation work in the Balkans as well as a Masters' degree, singing work and freelance journalism.

I wish you loads of luck, light, and good thoughts.

Answer 3

It's not easy at all. One thing you could do is to consciously look at everyday chores and occurences from a different persepective - try to see them not as inconsequential "anyone can do that" jobs but, instead, as valuable tasks and reward yourself mentally for doing/finishing them. When I was at my very worst I didn't leave my bed, so just getting up in the morning can be a pat on the back. Little things added together make big things - a little simplistic I know, but true.

Don't put too much pressure on yourself and always rememberthat you're surviving depression, that takes strength and that is something to feel good and confident about.

Answer 4

Evidence. Your past experiences have made you believe things about yourself that have sapped your self confidence. Go out and try something - maybe just going to the library and getting a book and reading it. That will provide you with evidence that you are literate and smart enough to read a book - maybe even a classic like Dickens. Now find more evidence, that you are are good as everyone else. Maybe better than many people. Do you have a kind and generous personality? Do something to prove it! To yourself. Do you possess education? Use it to prove to yourself you are educated and intelligent. Are you smart (intelligent), then plan something to prove that you are still smart as your ever were. Can you prove you're smarter than me? Now that would really give you confidence! lol Good luck with it. You are the judge and the jury - and you are putting yourself on trial. Plead not guilty.

Answer 5

It seems to me that depression comes from low self-esteem, but low confidence is a separate matter. Confidence comes from feeling you *can* do something. And low self-confidence comes from feeling you *can't* do something.

So the remedy for low self-confidence is the demonstration of ability. The demostration of ability can be had by reminding yourself of things that you *can* do things, from something as simple as turning a doorknob, to asking a question on Yahoo! Answers, to looking at your email, etc. Simple things can be powerful reminders that you have *ability*.

Then, with that reminder that you have ability, you may be reminded of other things for which you have ability. E.g., you may realize in the past that you have accomplished some things, from getting a B in some class, to having a successful relationship, to giving a gift to someone, to making a diving catching in a ball game, etc.

These reminders will instill you with confidence. They will instill you with information that you *can* do things, that you *have* done things. With that knowledge comes the belief that you have the *capability* to do more things. Depression doesn't matter relative to confidence. There's no reason to believe that because you're depressed you *can't* do things. Your feelings about yourself may limit what you do, but when you realize you *can* do things, your negative feelings about yourself will likely diminish and you actually start to feel better. :)

I hope that response you found helpful.

Answer 6

That's not an easy task and will take time. The best way is to seek professional help for it, since few people can do it on their own. You should get yourself a counsellor and later maybe join one of the self-help groups.
However, one thing is more important than any other: you have to trust yourself, gather self-confidence and attempt to move at least one step forward every day.

Answer 7

Always remember to recognise every achievement you make, no matter how small. Every little thing counts, but we rarely acknowledge our small victories. Every time we smile when before we didn't, recognise this as a positive action. Every time we manage to overcome a minor hurdle (paying a bill, doing some chores), be happy that we have accomplished something. Focus on what you HAVE done, not on what you haven't done. Confidence comes from realising we are able and capable of many things. We're not necessarily perfect, but we have to realistically appreciate every positive and fruitful action we perform.

Over time, with familiarity, we will see ourselves in a more positive and healthy light, and also come to understand our limitless positive potential. It takes time and determination to replace negative mental habits with positive ones, but everyone is able to do it. Best wishes!

Answer 8

No matter the reasons, make sure you'll hear what your heart tells you to do. Remember that, there's also a time for mourning and it should be respected. Don't ever try to overcome your depression by getting involved in a new relationship for it might end up hurting the two of you. Listen to your feellings and make sure you respect yourself. Begin by accepting what you are with ALL that goes with... Little by little, step by step, you'll feel better. Time heals. Good luck!!!

Answer 9

My self confidence comes from just accepting myself as I am at the moment. For too long I lived with the 'should haves', would haves', 'could haves'. I also quit trying to please everyone and taking care of my needs first. I quit thinking I was strange because I didn't like a lot of things others likes. I made up my mind that 'your opinion of me is none of my business'. Do what you like, be who you are and accept that we all go thru the vallies at times. Also, I turn all my anxieties to God.

Answer 10

I'm working at this at the moment. I've written down some statements that make sense to me on post-its on my kitchen cupboard doors. Maybe they might help you?

1. Today, I give myself permission to be me.
2. Better and stronger for it.
3. I can be what I want to be.
4. I may be dysfunctional, but you can't spell it without using the word, FUN!

I hope that this helps!