EXPERIENCING ISSUES WITH
Self-esteem?
The way you view yourself, including your strengths, weaknesses, and accomplishments all factor into self-esteem—or your overall feeling of self-worth and acceptance.
Need immediate help?
If you or someone you know is in danger of hurting themselves or someone else — or if there’s any type of health emergency — please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
How issues with self-esteem might show up
Self-esteem can affect your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. When you have high self-esteem, you are more likely to believe in yourself, take risks, and try new things. You are also more likely to be resilient in the face of challenges.
Individuals who struggle with low self-esteem can experience:
- Negative self-talk or self-criticism
- Perfectionism
- Fear of failure
- Avoidance of challenges
- Difficulty accepting compliments and sensitivity to criticism
- Social comparison
- Feeling worthless or unlovable
- Difficulty making decisions
- Procrastination
- Difficulty trusting others
- Difficulty maintaining relationships
- Depression and/or anxiety
- Substance use
Need immediate help?
If you or someone you know is in danger of hurting themselves or someone else — or if there’s any type of health emergency — please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Not everyone who experiences low self-esteem will develop behavioral health issues but individuals with low self-esteem face increased risks for developing these issues. Therapy can help you identify triggers with self-esteem and develop coping skills to overcome unhealthy thoughts and behaviors.
Frequently asked questions about self-esteem
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You can start to work on or practice improving self-esteem by focusing on your strengths and reminding yourself regularly of these strengths. Behavioral health treatment can help you identify triggers and behaviors, and you can set achievable goals to regulate emotions and create healthier habits.