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Health and Wellness

Don't Let Low Self-Confidence Get You Down

Because we all struggle sometimes.

Marissa Sweatland

Apr 11, 2016

Ball State University

Don't Let Low Self-Confidence Get You Down

Theatlantic.com

Confidence is a really funny thing. One day, you can have an overflowing amount and the next you have none. Confidence seems to be a rare commodity these days. I don’t think it’s a far stretch to say that just about everyone has at least one thing they hate about themselves.

I read a staggering statistic in USA TODAY that half of all college students have had suicidal thoughts. There are a lot of factors to go into this, but again, I don’t think it’s a far stretch to assume that most, if not all, suffer from low self-esteem or low self-confidence.

But here’s the reality of being who you are: you are who you are for a lot of different reasons. You were put on this earth to be exactly who you are because people out there need someone just like you. Although you may not be exactly what you want to be, you are what you are supposed to be —and there has to be some comfort in knowing that.

The universe doesn’t make mistakes. You’re not a mistake, nor are you useless or any other negative thought about yourself.

It is easy to get caught up in the bad. It’s a slippery slope. We watch the news and we see story after story of destruction, but very rarely do we see a story with a happy ending. But just because we don’t see it every day, we know there is good in the world; this is the same way with ourselves. Although we may not be able to always recognize our positive traits, that doesn’t mean they’re not there.

It’s okay to have bad days because, although you’re great, you are only human. Just try to find the good in the bad. Whether that’s as simple as having a good hair day or something bigger, like treating yourself to something you’ve been wanting for a while. As long as it’s not illegal or immoral, there’s no wrong way to cheer yourself up.

In case you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts or having a rough time, here are some hotline numbers that could help you or someone you know.

National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 (Hours: 24/7)

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 (Hours: 24/7)

National Eating Disorders Association: 1-800-931-2237 (Hours: Monday-Friday, 11:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. EST)

ANAD: National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders: 630-577-1330 (Hours: Monday-Friday,12 p.m.-8 p.m. EST)

The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386 (Hours: 24/7)

"Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise" -Victor Hugo

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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Don't Let Low Self-Confidence Get You Down

Because we all struggle sometimes.

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Or at least try to do.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

2. I will look decent for class.

3. I will go to the gym more.

4. I will go to the library and study more.

5. I will meet new people.

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

2. Disappointed you let it get this bad

3. Distracted: When a 10-Minute Break Becomes an Hour

4. When the Yearning for Sleep Sneaks Up

5. In the words of Lorelai Gilmore "Coffee, Coffee, Coffee"

Oh, so done.

You need sleep, but also have 13 things due in the span of 4 days.

1. When it's December 1 and you have seven things due, three exams, and haven't slept in three days.

2. So you stress.

3. And cry.

4. Then call your mom to cry some more.

5. After the pep talk, you feel determined to get everything done.

6. But, now you're tired.

7. And really hungry.

8. Suddenly, it's 2 a.m. and you have only written three sentences and your paper is due in the morning.

9. You've made it to Friday... somehow.

10. Then Sunday hits and you find yourself back at the Lib.

11. So you cry some more.

12. But, you fight through the tears to get everything done because you're determined.

13. In the end, you feel on top of the world because you made it through the last week of class alive.

14. But, now it's finals week so good luck.

The ultimate list and gif guide to a college student's brain during finals.

What does the world outside the library look like?

Can I read this entire book tonight?

I should have gone to class more often.

Did the professor even teach this?

What is the lowest grade I can get on this exam and still pass the class?

Should I just drop out of school now?

Finals are ruining Christmas.

Just wrote three sentences so time for a break.

Need. More. Coffee.

What is sleep?

I'm too stupid for college.

Brain hurts.

Time for a Facebook Break.

I think I'm dying.

When will I ever need this information in the real world?

I can't read any of my notes.

I need my mom.

When was the last time I showered?

I need study snacks.

The struggle is so real right now.

"I want to thank Google, Wikipedia, and whoever else invented copy and paste. Thank you."

1. I'm so tired. I need a nap. Maybe I can sleep with my eyes open in class? Or pretend I'm not napping?

2. We have a test today? Why didn't anyone tell me? Did I know this?!

3. Can I quit school yet? It's only October, and I need a vacation.

4. The struggle is so real.

5. I'm so broke. SOS.

6. Stressed? Eat everything you own in your pantry and stuff your face with all your feelings.

7. "Did we have anything due in class today? Homework? Quiz? Test?" "Not that I know of..."

8. I need food. Where is the closest place to get food? I need it stat.

9. This is the longest day of my life. I need a drink, or two, or three.

10. Sleep? What is sleep? What a foreign concept.

11. When someone suggests going and studying in the library, let alone studying in general.

12. When the cafeteria or student center is packed and you can't find a seat anywhere so you literally have to sit in an abandoned corner.

13. When you see someone you used to hook up with. They see you, and approach you; so you have to pretend like everything is normal.

14. When you get your exam and realize you didn't study as much as you should have.

15. When you crush it on an exam or paper that you totally bullshitted.

16. I need a grande, extra strong coffee to get me through today.

17. When the professor announces you have a project due the following week with no instruction on what it's on and how to do it.

18. Is it Friday yet? Where's the weekend when you need it most?

19. It's freezing in here. I feel like I'm sitting in an igloo. I should have brought a jacket or worn long pants.

20. Did I remember my book? Damn, I forgot the book, and of course I need it for that quiz in class.

21. I would pay a million dollars to not go to class today; or actually never again.

22. I need a hoverboard to ride to class. Maybe then I wouldn't be running 15 minutes late to class every day.

23. Oh she/he's cute! I wonder if they're single. Who are they texting? They're BF/GF? I wonder if they think I'm cute. Could they be a potential new bae?

24. Why is there never any parking? I pay thousands of dollars a year for one parking spot to be open.

25. When it feels like you've been in class for an hour and you look at your phone and it has only been five minutes (I'm crying on the inside).

26. When the professor asks if there are any more questions at the end of class and someone raises their hand.

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