When I was running a support group, I used to encourage everyone to keep a Confidence Book. In this they wrote all the things they were proud of being and doing.
It amazed some of them to see just how great they really were - even though almost all felt exactly like you to begin with.
The fact is, we all remember our shortcomings and unless we are put on the spot, don't willingly admit to the kind, sweet, thoughtful and loving things we've done.
I can’t understand why my family and friends still have anything to do with me at all.
But they do, don't they? That in itself shows they don't share your (temporary I hope) low opinion of yourself.
So why not get yourself a little book and begin writing down all the things you can see are positives. To give you an example, this is what I would write at the start of my list.
I'm proud to be a Yorkshire woman
I'm proud I'm a woman
I'm proud of being a mother (whether I'm a good mother I leave to my sons to judge)
I can make people laugh sometimes
I can bake/knit/cook/still see a bit/hear/walk
I've had many wonderful, exciting jobs in my life
I helped my very elderly, disabled neighbour when she was dying.
I can sing
I made shortbread for my friend Judy
I helped an older lady take her shopping to her car
I wasn't rude to a cold caller (It's little things as well as big things which matter.)
If, like me, you were brought up not to boast, for the purposes of this exercise, you have to forget that - your book is private anyway. No one but you needs to see it.
Ellie Anne Top of your list might be:
"I came through withdrawal without too many problems" What an amazing thing.
Do you have any idea how hard that is? Yet you've done it! Congratulations. Really, it's a hard, hard thing to do and not everyone manages it. YOU DID!
What a courageous woman!
Don't sell yourself short, or put yourself down.
There are enough people out there willing to do that without our being mean to ourselves.
So please consider making a Confidence List which you can read when one of these negative moods come on you (and we all have them, believe me) it will help you see the truth and not the 'perceived' you.