LOW SELF-ESTEEM

Self-esteem is how we value and perceive ourselves.  Low self-esteem is how our inner voice or the thoughts in our head are constantly telling us we are not good enough or worth anything.  This can start to have an impact on how we feel and treat ourselves. 

 

If you have had low self-esteem for a long time it can take a toll on your emotional well-being.  It can lead to conditions including depression, anxiety, self-harm and eating disorders so it is important to take steps to get the support you need.

 

Some signs of low self-esteem can be:

 

Lack of confidence and struggle to navigate different things you may encounter

Self-doubt – worrying you have made the wrong choice and deferring to what others think

Lack of control

Comparing yourself unfavourably to others

Lack of self regard – you may struggle to ask for what you need

Fear of failure – doubting your ability to achieve success

People pleaser – ignoring your own needs and putting other people first. 

 

Different things work for different people at different times but here are some ideas that might help you improve your self-esteem:

 

Be kind to yourself.  If you start to slip into negative thoughts try to challenge them. 

 

You do you.  Try to focus on your own goals and achievements rather than measuring them against someone else’s.

 

Celebrate the small victories.  Write down three things you did well that day however small.

 

Surround yourself with people who make you feel good.

 

Accept yourself.  Replace self-critic to self-compassion and be kind and understanding to yourself.

 

Building self-esteem can be difficult to do alone.  As a counsellor I can help you understand where your opinion of yourself stems from.  Understanding the source of your low self-esteem can help you understand yourself better and start taking steps to improve your well-being