Low self-esteem
If you never quite feel that you're good enough and put yourself down all the time you could be suffering from low self-esteem. Read on to find out more.
What is self-esteem?
Put simply, your self-esteem is how well you think about yourself compared to other people, such as friends and workmates. Low self-esteem means that you think you are a lesser person than others. It can often be traced back to early childhood experiences, such as heavy criticism, being abandoned, feeling unloved, or being ridiculed or abused. It can also be a symptom of depression.
What are the signs of low self-esteem?
The signs can vary, some of them apply to timid people and some can apply to bullies. They include:
- Feeling that you're not good enough - even if you are;
- Decreased confidence;
- Putting yourself down all the time;
- Being too scared to try new things;
- Unsure of your good qualities;
- Making no effort because you expect to mess things up;
- Being timid, not asserting yourself;
- Losing your temper;
- Picking fights;
- Worrying about getting even;
- Blaming others for your problems;
- Constantly bickering about petty issues.
Raising your self-esteem
Counselling and short-term cognitive therapy are very helpful for most people. It allows someone to clear out the cobwebs and release their inhibitions step by step. Raising self-esteem allows them to feel better about themselves and recognise their good qualities. Their relationships improve, and they get positive feedback.
