Inferiority Complex.

[Mr. Orange]

I feel inferior to every single person on the face of the earth. I felt this way in December of 2007, but I crawled out of it, but again the feelings are coming back. I feel like I am inherently inferior to everyone. Period. I hate this, my self esteem is at a new low. I feel inferior to every person at work. My whole family. All my friends. All the people in stores. All the people on this forum. I am inferior.

[Eraserhead]

Not to be disrespectful, but you realize how ridiculous that sounds, don't you? What is "inherently inferior to everyone" even supposed to mean?

By the way, I've been there too.

[Mr. Orange]

I know it sounds ridiculous, but its the way I feel. I feel like a pathetic loser who's not even worth the air he breaths.

[shyvr6]

Trust me, there are people that are on a lower status then you. How did you beat it before? Maybe you could try doing what you did back then and see if it works again.

[sadguy]

I know how you feel because I am feeling the same.

[bleach0]

Was there some trigger that made you feel this way? Like did something bad happen?

Speaking personally, I don't think of either of you as inferior. You both seem nice and articulate and friendly. I haven't seen any evidence that would make me think that either of you are inferior to me.

[Noca]

you sound depressed. May I suggest seeing your doctor and getting on meds?

[quietgal]

I have this problem a lot of times too. i think the trick is not to think of people, or society, in a hierarchical way, with "losers" at the bottom and "winners" at the top. That a whole person can be inherently "better" or "higher" than another person, or that you as a whole person could be "lower" than someone else. Just because this person is smarter than you, or better-looking, doesn't mean that person as a whole is "better" than you. I think every person has their own individual strengths and weaknesses and has the potential to contribute to society in his own way, but it's important that you find a space for yourself where you feel like a useful and appreciated human being, whether that be at your job, or within your family, or as a good friend to someone, even if that someone is just a pet.

[bleach0]

What a great post, quietgal. Too often we derive our self-worth by how others perceive us. But it doesn't have to be that way - we don't have to compare ourselves to others. Life is not a contest.

[sadguy]

I don't really feel that way right now actually. I have a goal. That's what keep me alive.

[DebraS]

Bryan, I used to feel this way. Then as I moved away from familiar surroundings, I was able to see the truth. There are many people out there who could not even write a post such as yours using good spelling, grammar and punctuation. (Spell check does not catch all mistakes, so do not give it too much credit.)

I am not talking about people in third world countries without access to quality education. I am talking about the shameful people who are too bubbleheaded to care about how they communicate with others, they only care about gossip and celebrities and other fluff.

You are more intelligent than most people I meet on a daily basis, so I hope you reconsider your feelings of inferiority.

[mg1]

I feel like this all the time. Several months ago my dad recommended a book to me called "Psycho Cybernetics." One thing I will always remember from it is: "You are not inferior, you are not superior, you are simply you." It sounds simple, but it's something I repeat to myself in difficult times.

[gaz]

Hey Bryan, i feel inferior too, but trust me you are anything but inferior! The way you feel is your opinion on yourself.