12 yo says he hates himself. Any resources that could help?

[BoostEsteem]

My 12yo DS has always been critical of himself, but it's getting worse. He told me he hates himself yesterday and it's so upsetting.

He's a truly lovely child: quiet, funny, clever, empathetic. He's shy but has always had good friends. He says he feels ugly and useless and doesn't see the point in doing anything. I'm going to look into professional help, but that might take a while.

What resources are there to boost self-esteem?

He really dislikes mindfulness/ affirmation type activities and finds them condescending and not useful.

I think some kind of worksheets / working through logically that he's none of the things he says he is would be helpful.

Can anyone recommend anything? Thanks

Contact your doctor, they should be able to guide you better. There are counselling services available for younger children/ teens. They don't have to meet in person if they don't feel social. Also childline have a 24/7 number??? Sending you the biggest of hugs x

Thanks! I should have said in the OP, we're not in the UK.

I'm going to look into counselling, but I know it will be really hard to get him to go.

We have a great relationship and he talks to me about his feelings all the time. He says he wouldn't be able to do that with a stranger. I know that's their job - but I think it might actually make him more stressed. I'm definitely going to try though.

I got my teenage sons a book about boosting their self confidence...... can't remember the author sorry. It is well written though and might help him x