Overcoming Self-Pity: A Personal Journey From Insecurity To Acceptance: by Gina Economopoulos

Posted by

Ken Primus

December 20, 2025

On December 20, 2025

Overcoming Self-Pity: A Personal Journey From Insecurity To Acceptance

Everyone struggles sometimes. No one’s life is perfect. We all carry hidden battles—sometimes with our bodies, sometimes inside our hearts. This is my story of facing down my old habit of self-pity, learning to accept myself, and recognizing the power of love.

Growing Up Different: My Early Struggles

When I was a kid, I was a petite, short girl—always the smallest one in a crowd. I had spent so much time dealing with surgeries, mostly because of my hip. There were scars—some you could see, some you couldn’t.

Being young and different was tough. Surrounded by friends who could run and jump and play without a second thought, I felt like I was living in a different world. I didn’t hate my life, but sometimes it felt like I was watching from the sidelines.

Surgeries and Scars

Medical challenges: Multiple surgeries, lots of hospital visits
Physical pain: Dealing with painful recoveries
Feeling left out: Missing out on activities other kids just did naturally

I never wanted to seem like a problem. Sometimes I’d plaster on a great smile, laugh along, and try to keep up. But under the surface, I was carrying something heavy.

“And here I was this little petite, short girl, you know, shorts that I had many surgeries because I had a hip, everything… I formed this self pity for myself. I formed this false self. I had a great smile, but I never really said, hey, you know what? This hurts. And I don’t like this.”

The Trap of Self-Pity

Let’s be real. No one wants to admit to self-pity. It feels weak, selfish, like something you’re not “supposed” to feel—especially when you’re surrounded by people who care.

But for me, self-pity became a secret habit. I never actually told my parents, “I’m hurting.” I just thought, Whatever. I’ll take it. Whatever comes my way, I’ll just put up with it.

Hiding Behind a Smile

There’s a kind of false self that gets born this way. You put on a front, act like you’re fine, but inside, you’re building up layers just to get through.

Fake smiles
Brushing off pain
Avoiding real conversations about struggle

At home, I had so much love. My family went out of their way to show me kindness and support. But love can’t always reach the silent parts you keep locked up. Outwardly, I was “fine.” Inside? I was shrinking away from the real me.

Insecurity and Fear: The Unseen Burden

If you asked me back then, “Are you okay?” I’d probably say yes, because I didn’t even know how to give a real answer. I was full of insecurity, constantly wondering what was wrong with me, terrified that everyone else could see it too.

The Weight of Fear

Afraid I wasn’t good enough
Afraid people pitied me
Afraid I’d never feel “normal”

Fear follows you everywhere. At school, parties, even just walking around the block. It’s like you’re always running from yourself. That’s what I did for a long time—trying to outpace the pain, or just ignore it altogether.

“In hindsight, I was insecure. There was full of fear and I was sort of running away from myself… I did not like myself as a child. And I never really told anyone because there was so much love around me.”

Where Love Fits In

I have to be clear. My parents—we’ll call them superheroes—loved me in every way. And honestly, that love made all the difference.

Warmth at home
Encouragement when I needed it
Reminders that I mattered

There’s something about having love in your corner. Even if you can’t fix all the pain inside, that steady presence can keep you afloat. If I hadn’t had that, I honestly don’t know where I’d be.

“It was helping me to get through my life because if I didn’t have love around me, I don’t know where I would be today.”

From Self-Pity to Self-Compassion

It took years to realize how much I’d let self-pity shape my story. Looking back, it’s so easy to see the ways I ran from my own feelings instead of facing them. The first step was just admitting the truth to myself: Self-pity is human, but it doesn’t have to define you.

Turning Points

Admitting How I Really Felt
- No more hiding behind smiles.
- Saying, “This hurts. I don’t like this.”
Allowing Myself To Be Seen
- Trusting a friend, a parent, a counselor.
- Dropping the mask, little by little.
Learning To Like Myself
- Finding things about me that were worth loving.
- Forgiving the parts I thought were broken.

Lessons Learned

Everyone’s story is different, but if my experience taught me anything, it’s this:

1. Self-Pity Is Normal—For A While

Don’t beat yourself up for feeling low. Life can be hard, and sometimes you need to sit in that sadness for a bit.

But stay there too long, and you might start believing the lies it tells you.

2. Hiding Pain Only Makes It Grow

I used to think hiding my pain made me strong. Really, it just made me lonely.

Tell someone. Write it down. Say it out loud.

3. Love Is A Life Saver

You don’t have to do this alone—and you shouldn’t have to. Whether it’s family, friends, or a community, let love in. Let it help you carry the hard stuff.

Five Small Habits That Helped Me Heal

If you or someone you love is stuck in self-pity, here are five things that helped me move forward:

Journaling: Getting my thoughts out of my head and onto paper made them less scary.
Talking To Someone I Trusted: You don’t need a big talk. Even a small “I’m struggling” is a start.
Daily Affirmations: Sounds cheesy, but telling myself “You’re okay. You’re strong.” rewired something inside me.
Celebrating Small Wins: Every day I noticed progress—tiny or big—I let myself feel proud.
Remembering My Loved Ones: Their belief in me mattered, even when I didn’t believe in myself.

If You’re Struggling, Here’s What I Want You To Know

You’re Not Alone.
It’s Okay To Admit You’re Hurting.
You Are Not Defined By Pain Or Pity.
There’s Real Power In Letting Yourself Be Loved.

“Whatever you’re going through, you are so much more than your pain. Even if it feels impossible now, healing is possible. I am living proof.”

Resources for Healing

If you or someone you know is going through something similar, these resources may help:

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Mental Health America
Crisis Text Line — Text HOME to 741741

Building A Brighter Future—One Step At A Time

Looking back at my journey, I see the girl I used to be—small, afraid, unsure. And then I see who I am now: someone who faced the pain, accepted love, and learned to love herself, piece by piece.

You can do the same. It won’t happen all at once. Some days are good, some are hard. But every step is worth it.

Let’s Keep The Conversation Going

Have you struggled with self-pity or insecurity? Have you learned to overcome a challenge you never thought you’d survive? Share your story in the comments—someone out there needs to know they’re not alone.

And if you’re reading this right now and feeling seen for the first time in a long while: You matter. You are loved. And you’ve got this.

Final Thoughts

Self-pity isn’t a life sentence. With honesty, love, and patience, you can begin to heal—even when the wounds are deep. Your story matters, scars and all.

Thanks for reading. If you found this post helpful, feel free to share it with someone who needs a reminder that they’re not alone.