Dear Question Asker,
I am honored to have the opportunity to respond to your inquiry.
First and foremost, it is imperative to extend a supportive gesture to the questioner. During my high school years, I found myself in a situation where I was constantly comparing myself to the top student in my class, which led to feelings of inadequacy and a sense of being inferior to others. This resulted in a pervasive sense of self-doubt and even depressive moods. It is crucial to provide the questioner with a reassuring gesture and offer words of encouragement. As the adage goes, "God gave me a talent for a reason."
One of the most significant shortcomings in life is the tendency to compare oneself to others. When we compare ourselves to individuals who are perceived as wise, we may feel inferior; when we compare ourselves to those who are regarded as vulgar, we may feel inferior; and when we compare ourselves to those who are viewed as lowly, we may feel proud.
"Plum blossoms are inferior to snow in beauty, but snow loses out to plum blossoms in fragrance." It is important to recognize that everyone possesses both strengths and weaknesses. It is neither constructive nor beneficial to compare one's strengths with another's weaknesses or to dwell on perceived shortcomings. Perfection is an unattainable ideal, and it is therefore unnecessary to fret over perceived deficiencies.
The questioner's tendency to compare their shortcomings with those of others has led to the formation of a negative self-perception.
The tendency to compare oneself to others and envy their good fortune, while simultaneously struggling to accept one's own misfortune, can lead to a pervasive sense of worry and an inability to experience genuine happiness. This cyclical pattern of negative thinking is a significant contributor to a lack of joy in life.
The questioner's envy of the perceived advantages of others, as evidenced by their tendency to view themselves as inferior, is a key factor in their depressive mood. This negative self-perception is further exacerbated by their tendency to dwell on their shortcomings.
As the question was posed on an online forum, there has been no opportunity for in-depth discussion of the issue. This is particularly unfortunate given that the questioner appears to be trapped in a negative mindset, which is undoubtedly a significant factor in their current depressive state. Consequently, I can only offer some suggestions regarding the questioner's current depressed mood.
Each character occupies a distinct position.
It is not uncommon for individuals to rely on external factors to bolster their confidence. To illustrate, during their formative years, the majority of children were subjected to economic privation and malnourishment.
However, there were a few students who were notably tall and robust, and they traversed the terrain with assurance. Individuals may employ a multitude of strategies to enhance their self-assurance, yet a fundamental prerequisite is the presence of a relatively sophisticated and extensive cultural foundation.
For example, although an individual may be perceived as short in stature, they may possess qualities that are perceived as tall in another context, such as spiritual or mental fortitude, or possess a particular skill in a specific area. In today's multicultural society, it is evident that each individual possesses unique and valuable qualities.
I posit that the most fundamental aspect of a diverse society is the ability of individuals to demonstrate their value, irrespective of their disability status or geographical location. Historically, there has been a perception that in order to earn a livelihood, one must engage in external work.
In the contemporary era, however, it is evident that a considerable proportion of the workforce is engaged in tasks that can be performed remotely, predominantly utilising computer-based technologies.
A mature society should have each role occupy a distinct position, with a unique positioning process, and individuals should be able to find fulfillment in their respective roles. This concept has already been well-established in some advanced European countries, where a long-standing appreciation for the value of life has led to a lack of reliance on comparison with others.
Those who engage in constant comparison with others run the risk of becoming monotonous and standardized in their outlook.
The question thus arises as to how one might alleviate depression.
1. Engage in physical activity.
The most effective method for combating negative emotions is to engage in physical activity. If one desires to dispel these emotions and elevate one's mood, it is recommended to engage in physical activity, venture outdoors, and bask in the invigorating effects of fresh air and sunshine.
It will be challenging initially, potentially more so than during a depressive episode. However, with time, one will perceive a shift in their emotional state. They will experience a sense of vitality and a reduction in depressive symptoms. It can be conceptualized as a restoration of the capacity for happiness.
Regular exercise has been demonstrated to enhance blood circulation, ensuring optimal oxygenation of the brain and a concomitant reduction in stress. Additionally, exercise has been shown to alleviate tension in the nervous system. Following exercise, the brain secretes a substance that induces a sense of well-being. This positive emotional state can be leveraged to encourage the use of exercise as a means of alleviating depressive moods.
2. Psychological Adjustment
The questioner is likely to have been experiencing a prolonged period of severe mental distress, characterised by an inability to regulate emotions and the frequent occurrence of negative thoughts. It is therefore essential that the questioner learns to regulate their emotions and relax.
There are numerous methods for relaxation, including reading engaging literature, listening to calming music, and viewing humorous stand-up comedy. Ultimately, the objective is to identify a strategy for emotional regulation and relaxation.
3. Discuss your concerns.
In the event of encountering setbacks, it is important to recognize that assistance may be sought from oneself or from external sources, such as friends. However, it is crucial to understand that unless one is willing to seek and accept help from others, it is unlikely that help will be forthcoming.
It is imperative to identify a suitable individual with whom one can engage in profound and authentic communication. This process may entail confronting one's tendency to be taciturn and unsociable. It is possible that one may encounter difficulties in finding an individual within one's immediate social circle who can provide empathetic understanding. In such instances, it may be beneficial to seek the guidance of a qualified psychological counselor or listener on a psychological platform. These professionals can facilitate a safe and supportive space for individuals to express their innermost thoughts and experiences, potentially leading to a positive shift in emotional state.
4. Identify your own personal strengths and accept yourself.
It is important to understand oneself and identify one's own strengths. Having a sense of worth and achievement can significantly enhance one's confidence. Some individuals may perceive themselves as lacking in strengths.
It is, in fact, the case that one possesses merits, although these may not be readily apparent or perceptible. Everything has two sides, and there are no absolute merits or demerits. As long as one puts one's strengths to good use, one will achieve good results.
It is recommended that individuals engage in activities that align with their interests and pursue life goals that are in line with their personal values. Accepting one's character is also crucial. When experiencing low moods, it is beneficial to engage in self-care activities that bring about positive changes.
It is possible to achieve a state of happiness through the consumption of sweet foods. The ingestion of sweet substances has been demonstrated to have a positive effect on the body, and this can also extend to the individual experiencing the food. It is, however, important to ensure that the pursuit of happiness does not result in the infliction of harm upon others.
It is imperative to refrain from allowing negative emotions to permeate one's life.
It is my sincere hope that this response is of some assistance.
Comments
I can totally relate to how you felt back then. It's tough when we compare ourselves to others and always come up short. But everyone grows at their own pace, and maybe it's time to focus on your own journey rather than measuring yourself against someone else's success.
Comparing ourselves to top students or anyone else isn't fair because we all have unique strengths and challenges. What matters is the effort you put into becoming better. Maybe instead of thinking about being good or bad, consider what you've learned and how you've grown over the years.
It sounds like this experience has weighed heavily on you for a long time. Sometimes our past can shape us, but it doesn't define our future. Perhaps seeking professional help could provide some guidance on overcoming these feelings of inadequacy and depression that have lingered.
The belief that character is set by 17 seems too rigid. People change and develop throughout their lives. If you feel stuck in a negative selfimage from those years, it might be helpful to challenge that belief and recognize the person you are now, not just who you were back then.
You're not alone in feeling this way; many people struggle with selfdoubt and the impact of past experiences. It's important to acknowledge your feelings but also work towards accepting yourself as you are today. Reflect on your achievements, no matter how small they may seem, and try to build on them.