Have you ever felt like you’re not enough? Here’s a little Q&A with your “self” if you’ve ever struggled with that thought, and hopefully it brings some encouragement to you.
Q: Why do I always feel like I’m not good enough, no matter what I do? A: First off, this feeling is way more common than you think. As a therapist, I hear it all the time from teens and young adults. You try your best, but still feel like you’re falling short, especially when you compare yourself to friends or people on social media. It’s exhausting, right?
Q: What if I don’t like the way I look or who I am? A: That inner voice that tears you down? It’s not the truth! It’s often shaped by years of pressure, rejection, or unrealistic expectations. You’re NOT the problem. That voice is. And guess what? You can learn to challenge it.
Q: How do I stop feeling this way? A: Healing starts small, like noticing when you’re being hard on yourself, or reminding yourself you’re allowed to be human. Surround yourself with people who see your worth! Talk about it (like you’re doing now). And yes, therapy can help a lot too
Q: Does feeling this way mean I’m broken? A: Absolutely not. Feeling low or insecure doesn’t mean something’s wrong with you, it means you’re human Everyone struggles sometimes, even the people who seem like they have it all together.
Q: What can I do right now to feel a little better? A: Start here:
→ Say one kind thing to yourself (yes, out loud)!
→ Write down 3 things you’ve survived, because you’re stronger than you give yourself credit for!
→ Ask for support if you need it, and hey, talking helps more than you think!
Final thoughts:
If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and thought “I’m not enough”, please know this: You are. Right now. Just as you are
Share with us : What helps you when you’re feeling down?
Thank you for sharing that, it sounds like believing you’re enough feels deeply uncomfortable, maybe even like you’re claiming something you don’t deserve. That’s a heavy burden to carry, and I wonder how long you’ve felt this way about yourself?
Can I ask:
Where do you think the idea that believing you’re “enough” is self-aggrandizing comes from?
What might shift for you if “being enough” didn’t mean being perfect or better than others, but simply being worthy as you are?
Thank you for sharing this @cottonsoul I think many of us struggle with that “not enough” feeling more often than we admit.
What helps me when I’m feeling down is to pause and remind myself that it’s okay to be imperfect and that progress isn’t always linear. and the most important thing - be kind to myself and be less critical (try to change the mindset - the negative thoughts)
maybe a small tip for being kind to yourself and less negative thoughts about yourself - imagine how I would speak to a loved friend/family who’s going through a hard time. I wouldn’t be harsh or critical, I’d be kind, patient, and supportive. So why do we often speak to ourselves in ways we’d never use with a friend?
Our inner dialogue deserves that same kindness and compassion
Perhaps its because how I’m raised, perhaps its because of the way I visualise my world, or perhaps really its just who I am.
There has to be impartial and objective support for “being enough”. I am enough, not because I believe so, but because others judge me as such. To believe one is inadequate does not spawn out of thin air. I think we all will want to visualise ourselves in positive light.
Which really comes back. What happens when we are actually inadequate? Believing ourselves “enough” when scores and results tell you otherwise is not a solution.
I struggle on less objective measures, but no less real. I am capable, but I am not seen as being capable. I can demonstrate my capabilities, but none is interested. All I’m able to do is manage expectations, of myself and of others.
I think many of us struggle with that “not enough” feeling more often than we admit.