Question

How do you gain confidence and not become depressed?

Answer 1

find Jesus and he'll take care of it

Answer 2

^great answer from the person above me go with that one

Answer 3

The above two seem to imply that there is no such thing as a depressed Christian, which is not true, so I would not take that advice as being well thought out.

Through progressive levels of successes people can build up a better understanding of their abilities. Being willing to try slightly new things, which will come with different levels of success and failure, and keeping at it if they are important to you. In more extreme cases, through the use of trained professionals that help one find the source of depression so that it may be dealt with.

Answer 4

I don't think involving yourself with religious groups is the way to deal with depression. You should find activities (ideally, physical not just mental) that you enjoy and focus on those.

Answer 5

I know exactly how you feel, and it is something I have to battle with daily! However, I agree with ALL of the answers above. Everyone is different, so everyone has a different way of handling depression/low self-esteem, etc. Some people get results by going to a therapist and simply talking, others medication (which is a great thing for people who REALLY need it... as in schizophrenic, bipolar..) and a psychiatrist help them. But for ME, personally, I have tried all of things and none of it helped. I also have a bad past and suffer from some mild PTSD, and on top of that I have had to live with a mentally-ill father my whole life, and that all really added onto my depression and low-confidence. Church never helped me (maybe I just have yet to find the right church), therapist/meds/psychiatrist never helped - literally, they would ask me, "And how does that make you feel?" Just like the stereotypical therapist does haha! I found that I always ended up feeling WORSE after all - again, that just wasn't the right method for me.
What DID help me was going away to college. I live on campus about an hour from home. I still get to go home on the weekends and I'm actually grateful for that (never thought I'd say that). Going away to college really opens a tremendous amount of opportunities, but with that comes stress, too. But with time management and just time in general you will get used to it. I think this NEW, FRESH start was just something I really needed. I have also discovered exactly what type of person I want to be. I have learned about myself. Being away does that.
Joining clubs! It is so easy, and as nerve-racking as it sounds, it's something you will not regret. Clubs are meant to build friendships with people who share the same interests as you. It's like an e-Harmony, but in person and for friendships (well, romantic relationships, too, I suppose lmao)!
Helping others! THIS IS THE BIG ONE FOR ME. Just volunteering, giving, etc. makes me forget about every little stupid worry and self-consciousness of mine, and for a moment I feel so significant. Just to help someone for free.. money will never make me feel as accomplished and happy as I do when helping innocent others.
Join a non-competitive sports team. They're like a club, but you don't even have to be good at the sport. Purely for fun.
Become a Big Brother.
And one of the big things that helped me, is Joel Osteen. Yes, he is a preacher, but he is more of a teacher of guidance and amazing inspiration. I can't tell you how many times this video has helped me. Some days I watch it before class and feel so much more confident and at peace. Look up "Joel Osteen Living with Confidence" on YouTube.

I just really want you to know that you are significant and you are worth something. You do have a future, and through every rough patch comes something even better. :)