Having low self-esteem is something many people of all ages deal with. While low self-esteem is not considered a mental health condition in itself, the way we think about ourselves directly impacts our mental health and overall well-being.
What is Self-Esteem?
Self-esteem refers to the way people feel about themselves. Someone with healthy or high self-esteem thinks positively about themselves and their abilities. They believe they deserve respect and have no problems setting healthy boundaries.
Individuals with low self-esteem do not feel very good about themselves. They constantly measure themselves against others and always come up short. They may not think they are worthy of love and respect and will typically not set healthy boundaries, allowing others to take advantage of them.
How Does a Low Self-Esteem Affect Mental Health?
The following are some ways low self-esteem can impact a person’s mental health:
Poor Relationships
Humans are wired for connections, but when we have low self-esteem, we tend not to put ourselves “out there” socially. Consequently, we tend to isolate ourselves, leading to poor relationships and loneliness.
Addiction
Studies have indicated low self-esteem in childhood can lead to addictions later in life. Many addicts use alcohol and other substances as a way to cope with negative feelings about themselves.
Depression and Anxiety
Living with low self-esteem day after day, week after week, can very much take its toll and eventually lead to the development of depression and anxiety.
How to Build Your Self-Esteem
Building self-esteem is important for mental health and for living a happy life. But it’s not necessarily easy to do it. It’s not like losing weight where you can say I am going to eat less and move more.
That is why I recommend working with a trained therapist who specializes in helping people build their self-esteem. A therapist can help you identify your core negative beliefs and determine where they came from. They can help you develop new, realistic self-esteem that reflects your true self.
Please contact me if you or someone you know is suffering from low self-esteem and would like to explore treatment options.
SOURCES:
https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/July-2016/Why-Self-Esteem-Is-Important-for-Mental-Health
https://www.hormona.io/why-self-esteem-affects-your-mental-health/
