Low Self-Esteem?

[LeoTheLion]

I am curious for C-PTSD and PTSD, wonder if there is any related between Low Self-Esteem and PTSD or CPTSD? Seem they could be connect with each other? Anyone agree or anyone have information on it?

 

[intothelight]

I think having the disorder trashes our self-esteem, if the abuse didn't do it previously.

 

[Jubilation4Me]

I suffer from C-PTSD. I've had an on-going battle with self-esteem issues for as long as I can remember. In fact, I'm having a major problem with "no self-esteem" presently. I've read everything available on the subject and feel that I'm well educated about it. I've had professional therapy to help me with the issue and feel that I've made some great progress. But, when it all comes down to the nitty-gritty, I feel that I'll always suffer with self-esteem issues from time to time. I'm under a great deal of stress right now, and my self-esteem just flew out the window........again. I assume it's just part of the PTSD way of life, or at least it is for me.

 

[LeoTheLion]

Jubilation4Me there is "no self-esteem"? I thought only high or low.

 

[Jubilation4Me]

Hi Leo,

You've caused me to re-think my statement about no self-esteem. I guess what I actually meant when posting earlier is that my self-esteem is so low right now that it would probably register as close to zero on a scale as possible. I hope this clarifies things.

Take care,
J4M

 

[LeoTheLion]

J4M Thanks for clear it up.. I wasnt sure if there is other type of self-esteem.. I understand your point now why you felt zero. Thanks

 

[Tinyflame]

There is self-esteem but also self-worth.

 

[externalsmile]

I have low self esteem. Just as I make headway with improving it something knocks it back again.

My current situation is that a superior sexually harassed me. He made very deliberate attempts to weaken my psychologically. Always let me know when I was doing a bad job.

Even though he was always complimenting me it made me feel hideous and fat because I thought I must be if all I could attract was a dirty old man like him.

Right now my self esteem is so low that I hate going outside the door. If someone does compliment me I can't handle it at all. For some reason it makes me feel bad.

 

[LeoTheLion]

If someone does compliment me I can't handle it at all. For some reason it makes me feel bad.

Wow you said that, I want you know that your not alone, I often feel the same about compliment. I find it difficult to make me feel good about it

 

[externalsmile]

To be honest I'm not sure how long this issue has been there. I don't know if it was always there, is it periodical or is it just since the sexual harassment at work started.

I'm only more aware of my coping skills the last few months since my diagnosis in December and what is normal coping and what is the PTSD.

I have realised that because of the intense scrutinisation of my physical attributes and the constant adoring attention and inappropriate sexual remarks my self esteem is rock bottom therefore increasing my avoidance behaviours which then increases my depressive symptoms as I am alone which then makes my self esteem plummet even more.

It's a vicious cycle and I have rambled on. Oops! Sorry! Got a right foggy brain today and I am totally all over the place thanks to work this morning!

 

[anni]

Do ramble all you like. It's all making perfect sense here, and most have complete understanding of the foggy brain days also!

 

[spero]

I can remember even as a child not feeling like I was good enough, even with friends I had and outside of the abuse. Then again, I never remembered the abuse for a long time, so it could have been linked then too.

There are a lot of situations that trigger low self esteem and self worth for me. For example, I isolate a lot either because of anxiety or I do not want to be triggered (doesn't always work 100% obviously), but when I see someone who is able to go out and do a lot, especially be able to meet new people, work outside their house, etc., that makes me feel like I am not as good or good enough because it feels like a slap in the face almost. It brings up a lot of shame and sadness because I realize I am missing out on so much, so that causes my self esteem and self worth to go downhill.

That is more true for dating/relationship thoughts too. That is another thing that makes me feel just harsh because it's another thing that reminds me what I missing out on, and then I feel like I would just be a huge mess for someone to deal with when triggered, trying to explain things to them, etc.

I think PTSD/CPTSD do create a lot of self esteem/self worth issues even with the simplest things because there is so much shame too.