Low Self-Esteem
Self-esteem relates to how we evaluate our self-worth and is determined by the judgements we make about ourselves.
What Are The Symptoms Of Healthy Self-Esteem?
People with healthy self-esteem:
- Can recognise their strengths and put their weaknesses in perspective
- Feel confident to make their own decisions (even when others don’t agree with their choices)
- Can be assertive and balance their own needs and wants with the needs and wants of others
- Ask for help when they need it, and say no to others when they’re over-worked
- Feel confident and self-assured in social situations
What Are The Symptoms Of Low Self-Esteem?
In contrast, people with low self-esteem:
- Seek reassurance from others when making decisions
- Feel worthless and criticise themselves constantly
- Seek approval from others
- Sacrifice their own wants and needs to fulfill the wants and needs of others
- Find it hard to say no to people
- Focus on their weaknesses and ignore their strengths
- Avoid trying new things to avoid failure or embarrassment
- Feel insecure in social situations or situations where they’re being evaluated (e.g. work presentations)
How you see yourself affects every aspect of your life. Negative self-talk can hold you back in your career, stop you from developing meaningful relationships, and make you vulnerable to anxiety and depression. If confidence has been a barrier to you achieving what you want to achieve in your life, it might be worthwhile to seek the advice of a clinical psychologist. A clinical psychologist can help you to rebuild your self-esteem so that you can be successful in achieving your goals.