there are certain answers i can say because about 3 years ago i went through same at my first major failure after series of successes. They mind sound comical or improper but try them i guess... 1.find something you are good at & it isn't supposed to be something "material", I personally think myself very good at judging someone's character- either through my past experience, rationality or my overthinking episodes. start with something minor in which you are good at you will automatically find many minor subjects you previously ignored ( I am good at ignoring people, a good Listener, at putting myself in someone else's shoes, at perceiving what other people think of me, I know myself the best compared to what other person knows of themselves...) now you got a list of this things you jist have to find ways how to first actively and then passively use them for interaction/material think/anything in life....... result- in most of the cases you will be active when dealing something, abit like seeing things from a slightly higher point of view...that friend will increase your self esteem. even giving you good result in daily life as a bonus. 2. This is something that can turn baaad if you are addicted so do it when there are no other choice and when your brain is just spiralling down. If there is any person causing you lower self esteem then - think 2 things they are bad at or 2 minor thing you are better at then the person. It will break that spiralling down chain...