Anonymous asked: I have SO much wrong with me. I struggle daily with depression and often with anxiety. Part of my depression is tied to self-esteem; when I'm fighting depression, my SE takes a nosedive and I go right back to the feeling I'm not good enough for anyone. Lately when I get in this state I struggle with thoughts that sound an awful lot like an eating disorder - "I'm horrible, fat, ugly, I don't need/deserve to eat" etc. I never act on the thoughts (for long), but I'm terrified.

Having depression and anxiety or eating disorder or addictions to not mean anything is wrong with you.  You are struggling with some very serious issues, the best way you know how.  You’re coping skills may not be healthy, but you are not a flawed person because of them.

It’s insightful of you to realize how your self-esteem affects your depression and behaviors.  This is so true for many people. Your negative thoughts about yourself directly influence your negative feelings about yourself.  What you think, you feel.  So working on changing your thoughts is so key.  You’re not responsible for those first negative thoughts - but you are responsible for refuting them and creating healthier, subsequent thoughts.

When you get a lousy song stuck in your head, you have to sing another song to get it out, right?  Sing a different song, dear.  And never stop singing it.  Are you working with a therapist?  Talk therapy can be really effective for depression and anxiety.  You deserve help and happiness.  We all do.  ♥