Being young is not all it's cracked up to be, especially in 2015. Growing up is hard enough, without all the extra pressure social media can create. It's so easy nowadays to see pictures and statuses of perfect people, in perfect situations, with a perfect life. If we focus too much on these, we can start to feel insecure in ourselves. But don't worry, everybody has some insecure thoughts about themselves, no matter who they are. The hardest thing to do is not let these thoughts take over, which is of course easier said than done. But here are some ways to handle these negative thoughts:
1. You're not alone.
Even if you haven't told someone about how you're feeling, or what you're thinking, just know that you're not the only one feeling like this, I promise. I can guarantee that the person sitting next to you on the bus, with her 'brows on fleek, is probably worrying about something herself. Everyone has something they are not comfortable with, and everyone has to deal with these thoughts. Listen to Sam Smith, you're not the only one.
2. Self-perception.
No one ever sees a true reflection of themselves. Mirrors and photos only show one side of you; what you think you look like. There is a thought among scientists that if we were to see a clone of ourselves walking down the street, we wouldn't recognise them. So if you think you know exactly what you look like, and are hating that thought, then try to think instead that it's probably not true. There is much more to you than what you're worrying about. Try to accept yourself for the whole person that you are, not just what's visible on the surface.
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3. Write down your worries.
No hear me out, this isn't a stupid suggestion. We all know how it feels to think one thing, let it simmer and for that one thought to expand inside your head and overwhelm you. The situation or thought you were worrying about becomes so much bigger than what it originally was, it can become hard to even try talk about it because you don't even know where to begin. Writing down these thoughts can help you map out where they came from, what they're about, and can even help you see what you have built up inside your head. After writing down these negative thoughts, you might find you have more space to be positive.
4. Talk to someone.
No matter how hard it is, telling someone how you're feeling is a massive help. Let your bestie or someone you're close to know these thoughts you're having, and I can guarantee they will help you feel better. When we focus on one thing for too long it's easy to have a tainted view of that situation, and telling someone about it can help you see the reality of the issue.
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5. Insecurities about anything.
Don't feel ashamed if you're feeling insecure about your grades, or how your voice sounds on the phone. Insecurities are not strictly about physical things. You can feel insecure about anything, so don't feel like you have to be okay about your friendship, just because it's not something that's physical. Don't let someone tell you what you can and can't worry about.
6. You can get past this.
Take inspiration from those around you. Everybody has gone through something, even if you don't know about it. Look at the countless celebrities who have battled issues and made it through to the other side; Demi Lovato, Lady GaGa, Miley Cyrus, and Kristen Stewart. It's not an easy road, but it's doable. Don't let your insecure thoughts define you. Fight them and you will come out stronger on the other side.
