Can I cure my own low self esteem?

[housework]

I'm nearly 43. I think it's about time I became comfortable with myself. I have a permanent low level sense of low selfesteem and shyness I've never sought any therapy, just got on with life. I spent many childhood years in care but went to university and have had a fairly normal and moderately successful life since.
What can I do to help myself? I'm presuming meetings with a therapist would be extremely expensive. Can u do CBT on myself?

You should get CBT through NHS if your GP will refer you, it would probably take some time though.

I do believe some people can cure their low self esteem by themselves, but many need help along the way.

Someone else will come along and recommend books, there are some highly recommended on here but I can't think of the names at the moment.

I saw a really good quote on facebook:

Before you diagnose yourself with depression or low self esteem, look around you and check to see you are just not surrounded by assholes.

I thought it was quite good, reminds us not to doubt ourselves all the time but to realise those around us are not perfect either.

Sorry that you are suffering with low self esteem Op. I don't have any words of wisdom, but can sympathise as I feel the same way. I recently posted on AIBU with a thread about feeling envious and bitter. All part of LSE I think.

Mollydoggerson, that's so true. I have to admit my part in how I feel, but I have a few people around me who act like arseholes!

Hi housework My GP recommended Mind Over Mood which is a CBT book designed to help with depression and anxiety tho from what I've read so far it would help with low self-esteem I think. Overcoming low self esteem is also supposed to be good. Some GPs even prescribe books from this overcoming series now.

I think you can do some of it on your own, though it would probably be easier to have some support from a counsellor - tho you wouldn't have to do that weekly - you could work out a plan with someone if that makes sense.

Good luck x

I treat people for LSE and always recommend the overcoming book by Melanie fennell so it would be certainly worth picking that up.

Get your GP to refer you for some CBT on the NHS. You'll just need to explain to him/her exactly what the problem is and how it affects you now. Shouldn't be a problem to get referred.

i think what you really need is therapy for 9 months once every 2 or 3 weeks as that is what worked for me
It might be expensive but it might also be the best money you ever spend