As a recovering alcoholic, I know how our society's constant assault on female self-esteem is creating unprecedented misery. Why do women drink themselves to death? Twice as many do, compared to 15 years ago. They vomit alone in their bathrooms, throwing up their self-disgust.

Guilt is one of those very perplexing human experiences which has both a positive, growth-enhancing and life- affirming quality as well as a very destructive and life-destroying aspect to it.

Certain parenting practices may cause excessive feelings of inferiority. Anyone with a negative self-concept based on these childhood experiences needs to start afresh honestly re-evaluating themselves.

Shame is feeling you are inadequate, inferior, lacking, not good enough, "ashamed of myself."

In order to grow stronger in self-esteem, you will need to "parent' your inner child who is nurture needy.