I'm sorry to hear that you've been dealing with anxiety, depression, and challenging social experiences due to bullying and material conditions. Building self-confidence and improving social interactions can be a gradual process, but it's definitely possible with patience and effort. Here are some steps to help you on your journey:
Seek professional help: Consider reaching out to a mental health professional, such as a therapist or counselor. They can provide support, guidance, and tools to address anxiety, depression, and past traumas effectively.
Practice self-compassion: Be kind to yourself and acknowledge that your struggles are valid. Avoid self-criticism and negative self-talk, as this can further erode your self-confidence.
Set realistic goals: Start small and set achievable goals for yourself. Celebrate even the smallest victories, as they contribute to your overall progress.
Challenge negative beliefs: Recognize and challenge negative thought patterns or beliefs that might be holding you back. Replace them with more positive and realistic affirmations.
Develop social skills: Practice socializing in safe and comfortable environments. Start with one-on-one interactions or small group settings to gradually build your confidence.
Join social groups or activities: Participate in social activities or groups that align with your interests. It can provide you with a shared context and common ground to connect with others.
Focus on active listening: When engaging in conversations, practice active listening by genuinely paying attention to what others are saying. This helps in building meaningful connections.
Learn from positive role models: Observe how confident individuals interact with others and learn from their communication styles and body language.
Address past traumas: If past bullying experiences are affecting you, consider seeking counseling to process and heal from these wounds. It can help you build resilience and move forward.
Surround yourself with supportive people: Seek out friends and acquaintances who are understanding, supportive, and positive influences in your life. Healthy social connections can significantly impact your self-confidence.
Improve your material conditions: If possible, work towards improving your material conditions. Though it may not solve everything, having a stable environment can alleviate some stress and anxiety.
Engage in self-improvement: Pursue activities that make you feel accomplished and bring you joy. Whether it's a hobby, learning new skills, or volunteering, these activities can boost your self-esteem.
Remember that building self-confidence and improving social skills take time, so be patient with yourself. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small it may seem. Surround yourself with positivity and seek professional help when needed. You deserve to feel confident and capable of forming meaningful connections with others.