What is Self-Esteem?

Self-esteem is how we value and perceive ourselves. It’s based on our opinions and beliefs about ourselves, which can sometimes feel really difficult to change.

Your self-esteem can affect whether you:

• like and value yourself as a person
• are able to make decisions and assert yourself
• recognise your strengths and weaknesses
• Are able to try new or difficult things
• show kindness towards yourself
• move past mistakes without blaming yourself unfairly
• take the time you need for yourself
• believe you matter and are good enough
• believe you deserve happiness.

What is Low Self-Esteem?

Low self-esteem is characterized by a lack of confidence and feeling bad about oneself. People with low self-esteem often feel unlovable, awkward, or incompetent.

Causes of Low Self-Esteem

The things that affect our self-esteem differ for everyone. Your self-esteem might change suddenly, or you might have had low self-esteem for a while​ – which might make it hard to recognise how you feel and make changes.

Difficult or stressful life experiences can often be a factor, such as:

• being bullied or abused
• experiencing prejudice and discrimination
• losing your job or difficulty finding employment
• problems at work or while studying
• ongoing stress
• physical health problems
• relationship problems, separation or divorce
• worries about your appearance and body image
• problems with money or housing.

You might have had some of these experiences, and you might also have had difficulties that aren’t listed here.

Is Low Self-Esteem a Mental Health Problem?

Having low self-esteem isn’t a mental health problem in itself, but they are closely linked. If lots of things affect your self-esteem for a long time, this might lead to mental health problems (for example depression or anxiety).

Some of the experiences of low self-esteem can be signs of a mental health problem, particularly if they last for a long time or affect your day-to-day life. For example:

• feeling hopeless or worthless
• blaming yourself unfairly
• hating yourself
• worrying about being unable to do things.

Having a mental health problem can also cause you to have low self-esteem, and it might feel harder to cope or take steps to improve your self-esteem.

How to Overcome Low Self-Esteem

• Surround Yourself with the Right People
• Get to Know Yourself/Become Your Own Best Friend
• Acknowledge Where You Need Change
• Don’t Compare Yourself to Others
• Repeat positive activities
• Take care of yourself, e.t.c