What is Self-Esteem?
What is Self-Esteem?
We all know that having low self-esteem isn’t good for our mental health, but what really is self-esteem and how does one go about making it better?
Self-esteem describes how you see yourself and understand your own worth. People with healthy self-esteem like themselves and value their achievements. Those with unhealthy self-esteem often view themselves as unworthy and unlikable, which can lead to depression, anxiety, unhealthy relationships, and other issues. When a person is unable to see the value in themselves, they are often quick to dismiss their own needs and emotions, believing that the needs of others should come before their own. But as anyone who has flown will remember from the safety talk before takeoff, we must first put on our own seatbelts and oxygen masks before helping anyone else around us.
People with healthy self-esteem have the following traits:
- They don’t believe they are worth less than others.
- They are not afraid to doubt themselves.
- They can take action without fear.
- They don’t confuse confidence with arrogance.
- They don’t fear feedback or conflict.
- They are not afraid to fail.
- They don’t have to make things perfect.
- They don’t believe everything they see in ads or social media.
- They are willing to try new things.
- They don’t focus on themselves.
- They don’t let others determine their goals.
So how does one go about building “good” self-esteem?
No one is always going to have perfectly good self-esteem. It ebbs and flows with successes or set backs in life, but overall, research has shown that self-esteem grows steadily as one ages. People who experience constant disapproval and criticism from the important people in their lives, such as family, teachers, or supervisors, will struggle to build an accurate sense of worth, even though every person is equally as valuable and worthy as any other. By learning to listen to yourself and disregard the negative things that others may say or do, you can begin to treat yourself with the compassion and love that you deserve.
Do you struggle with low self-esteem?
At The Therapy Centre we have skilled Psychologists, Social Workers and Psychotherapists who effectively treat a variety of issues that may be affecting your life, from everyday challenges to traumatic events with more lasting impact. We help individuals cope with difficult life circumstances like low self-esteem, the death of a loved one, a life-altering accident, or a serious illness as well as anxiety, depression and other mental health issues. We also have a dietitian who can help with setting nutritional goals.
At The Therapy Centre we are now offering both in-person and Virtual Telehealth services including secure phone sessions and videoconferencing.
Our offices are located across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton area, at 2525 Old Bronte Road in Oakville, 849 Upper Wentworth Street in Hamilton, and a NEW location in Toronto at 1849 Yonge St (Yonge and Davisville).
Sources:
• Development of Self-Esteem From Age 4 to 94 Years: A Meta-Analysis of Longitudinal Studies, https://psycnet.apa.org/fulltext/2018-33338-001.html