How can I boost my self esteem and confidence?

Question

I'm 16 years old, red hair, brown eyes, glasses, chubby, and I'm 5'2". Every time someone says something negatively about my appearance it replays over and over in my head. So whenever someone compliments me, the negative remarks come back and I don't believe what they say. It's gotten so bad that I even tried starving myself for a week. Whenever someone is looking at me I think they are looking at me in disgust, especially if they stare for more than 5 seconds. I want to feel good about myself, but all the negative remarks I've ever gotten keep me from doing that. What can I do?

Here's a pic of me...

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l279/gotwarped06/S5000871.jpg

Answer 1

I don't think there's anything wrong with the way you look. Your pretty.

If you think that people are staring at you in disgust whenever someone looks at you, then thats just being paranoid. You shouldn't think that way.

Self esteem boosting site: http://www.needhim.org/g/

Answer 2

I went through two years with low self esteem and it wasn't fun.

Find the things your dislike..if it's your weight, then work out when you have time and eat healthy. Get a cute haircut and go shopping. It might make you feel better.

Then find things you like about yourself..it can be that your kind or that you don't judge others.

Feel better!

Answer 3

sweet, there is absolutely nothing wrong with the way you look. however if you arent happy with it, only you can change it. why not get your hairstyle changed, or get contacts, or dye your hair?? when i dont like the way i look, i change something about it. go shopping and buy clothes that suit you, not clothes that everyone else is wearing.

if you feel good about yourself, then others will see the confidence and stop saying negative things.

good luck xx

Answer 4

It's important to find an anchor.  Whenever you feel that you are starting to go down on yourself, pick a part of you - maybe a ring you wear every day or something and associate it with positive emotions.  Whenever you feel like you're getting too hard on yourself, just touch that ring or whatever it is and use it to bring you back to regular thoughts.  9 times out of 10 those negative thoughts are nowhere near what other people think of you.  Find things you like about yourself.  And remember the big picture.  Nobody focuses on a little freckle or a mole or a different sized nose. Another thing to consider is how bad do you feel about your appearance? If you feel so bad and it is affecting you every minute of every day, maybe it's time to be proactive.  Instead of starving yourself - which actually doesn't have you lose weight because your body holds onto the fat - why don't you try a healthy eating program? You'll feel really confident that you're making a lifestyle change and you'll feel in control of your life.  I also recommend talking to somebody about these issues.  I have a similar problem.  But the anchor thing really works.