Tad, have you considered that your self-esteem (it's "self" for a reason) will stay that way until you take steps to change it?
What can you do to change it, Tad?
My first thought - make choices for you and you alone. Accept those choices and consequences. Own them.
That'll be a great first step if you ask me.
AJ
"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter" MLK Put the glass down... "Yesterday I was clever so I wanted to change the world Today I am wise, so I am changing myself."