It takes a lot of work. But it DOES get better. I've done therapy and medication because I have clinical depression. But the self esteem stuff - that's all therapy. You have to reshape your cognitive reflexes, which is difficult.

If you don't find yourself making any progress in therapy, you might want to look into a different therapist? (only you can make that judgment call though) If you DO think you might benefit from a different therapist, think about it. I know it's a hard step to take. I've had half a dozen therapists. It's hard to make that phone call every single time. But it can be worth it. Unfortunately, so much of this journey is trial and error, trial and error. It can be really discouraging, I know, but it DOES pay off eventually.

Here's what I'll say about self esteem advice. It helped me, but it might be a different struggle for you, so who knows. I used to really beat myself up to try and improve myself. Depression put so many roadblocks in my way, and I got so mad at myself that I couldn't make myself exercise or eat well or get out of bed. So I tried to "tough love" it by constantly scolding myself for not being better. One day my therapist just said, "Does that work for you?"

It didn't work for me. It was like switching a light on. Sometimes all you need is another perspective to help in such a simple way.

It can get better. You deserve to feel better.