Self-Esteem

Build and Grow It

Self-esteem reflects an individual’s overall subjective emotional evaluation of his or her own worth. It is the decision made by an individual as an attitude towards the self. Self-esteem encompasses beliefs about oneself.  General self-esteem traits are as follows:
  • Confident
  • Consider ourselves valuable
  • Respect for ourselves
  • Exists on a continuum, from high to low
  • Low self-esteem is associated with self-doubt, self- criticism, social isolation, suppressed anger, and shame.
  •  Linked to several mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression.

Signs and Symptoms

  • Negative self-talk
  • Regard themselves critically and may feel a perpetual sense of failure or lack of accomplishment.
  • Constantly comparing themselves to others and criticizing themselves

Low self-esteem is also closely associated with the following conditions and experiences:

  • Codependency
  • Social anxiety
  • General anxiety
  • Shame
  • Depression
  • Inadequacy
  • Powerlessness
  • Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
  • Perfectionism

Challenges to Self-Esteem

  • Self-esteem is learned in childhood, and certain experiences may interfere with its development.
  • Being subject to criticism or abuse from parents and caretakers
  • Missing out on experiences that would foster a sense of confidence and purpose.
  • Receiving little or no positive reinforcement for accomplishments
  • Being stigmatized for unusual appearance or behaviors,  race, class, social identity, or having a learning disability or physical impairment

In adulthood, even a well-developed self-esteem can be challenged by sudden life changes. These changes can include things such as:

  • Perceived failures
  • Losing a job or changing jobs
  • Ending an intimate relationship
  • Having legal or financial troubles
  • Struggling with addiction or substance abuse
  • Having children with emotional troubles, physical health concerns, or a host of other events that might cause us to question our worth or value.

Therapy can help put these events in perspective and enhance your strengths to increase resilience, social support, and hope.

Additional resource:

 

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