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.