Only
The Strong
Can Reveal Their Weaknesses
Dear
Harlan,
For the past couple of days, I have felt overwhelmingly stupid,
ugly, weak and worthless - and every other bad quality you
could possibly think of. Every attractive, intelligent person
I see gives me an inferiority complex. I feel like I am slower
than other people. I also feel like I am ugly and awkward-looking,
even though most people would say I am slightly above average
in appearance. No one respects or likes me. They all either
hate me or laugh at me. I see so many other people my age
that are successful, and I know that it is because they have
had people in their lives who have encouraged them and given
them self-esteem. I never had anyone do that for me. I was
emotionally and mentally abused by my teachers, peers and
occasionally my family. I feel like a broken human being.
I am not depressed, but I can feel myself coming close. It
really bothers me, because I associate depression with weakness.
Any advice?
Feeling Bad
Dear Feeling Bad,
Before thinking that you're weak and stupid, know that someone
weak or stupid would never have had the courage to write this
letter. You need help - beyond what I can provide. You need
it now. This whole hopelessness thing is a sign of serious
trouble. While there hasn't been anyone in the past to support
you, this isn't the past. The world is filled with people
who can help (therapists, religious leaders, friends, extended
family, etc.). I'll leave you with this - the only perfect
people in the world are imperfect people. Once you can appreciate
being an imperfectionist, you can stop worrying about what
everyone else is thinking and think about what makes you happy.
There is hope; turn to the people who can guide you.
