Low Self-Esteem
What is low self-esteem?
Low self-esteem is having an overall poor sense of self-value or negative opinion of yourself.
What is healthy self-esteem?
Healthy self-esteem is having an accurate and balanced self-view where you recognize and acceptive your abilities/flaws, strengths/weaknesses, and have realistic expectations of yourself and others.
Self-esteem can impact...
Self-esteem can impact your relationships, decision-making, self-confidence, motivation, identity, sense of belonging, mental health, and feeling of competence.
Self-worth has nothing to do with your self-esteem.
FALSE
Can you have too much self-esteem?
Yes
If you have low self-esteem, how do you think about yourself in relation to others?
You think you are inferior, have difficulty with relationships, or think of yourself more negatively than others.
If you have healthy self-esteem, how do you feel about yourself?
You feel good about yourself, value yourself, and have confidence.
If you have healthy self-esteem, you can have _______ relationships with others.
You can have positive/healthy relationships with others that you can maintain.
What are some ways you can practice positivity?
Use positive affirmations, keep a gratitude journal, use positive self-talk, and practice self-compassion.
What percent of people in the world struggle with low esteem?
85%
Global Crisis of Self-Esteem: An Epidemic Affecting Humanity
If you have low self-esteem, how do you feel about trying new things and reaching your goals?
You may not be motivated to try new things or avoid doing so. You doubt your ability to reach goals or quit before trying.
If you have healthy self-esteem, how do you feel about your achievements?
You value your achievements / give yourself credit for them.
If you have healthy self-esteem, you _____ your needs and can _____ them with others.
You understand/know your needs and can express them with others.
To improve self-esteem, you should avoid _____ yourself to others.
You should avoid comparing yourself to others and avoid comparisons overall.
How does negative self-esteem hurt your relationships?
Pushing others away, putting down others, hard to connect, self-sabotage
If you have low self-esteem, how do you think and talk about yourself, your abilities, and your accomplishments?
You think negatively about yourself, doubt your abilities, and don't give credit to yourself for your accomplishments.
If you have healthy self-esteem, how do you feel about trying new things and reaching your goals?
You feel open to trying new things and feel motivated to reach your goals.
You have realistic personal expectations and understand/know your skills/abilities.
To improve self-esteem, you should _____ negative self-talk and self-criticism and be aware of it by _____.
To improve self-esteem, you should challenge negative self-talk and self-criticism and be aware of it by engaging in mindfulness, journaling, meditating, and asking yourself reflective questions.
5 or more minutes per day of _________, 4-7 times per week can elevate your mood and self-confidence.
Movement: It calms the nervous system, reduces cortisol (the stress hormone), and increases levels of serotonin and dopamine—two neurotransmitters critical for happiness and motivation.
What are some potential causes of low self-esteem?
Some potential causes of low self-esteem include negative childhood experiences, cultural or societal influences, negative experiences with peers, unhealthy relationships, physical or mental health issues, ongoing stressful life events or trauma, engaging in negative self-talk or self-criticism, maladaptive coping skills, and ruminating on dark or sad memories/thoughts. Body image, academic performance, peer relationships/friendships, family relationships, talents and abilities, and more.
What is self-compassion and self-acceptance?
Self-compassion is treating yourself with kindness, care, and respect and being supportive towards yourself. Self-acceptance is fully embracing and appreciating yourself which includes your strengths, weaknesses, and everything that makes you who you are.
How does healthy self-esteem impact your mental wellbeing?
It improves your mental wellbeing and can lessen the impact of mental health conditions.
To improve self-esteem, you should practice feeling _____ about your achievements and progress, _____ yourself, and practice _____.
To improve self-esteem, you should practice feeling good/proud about your achievements and progress, value yourself, and practice self-care/self-acceptance/forgiveness.
What are affirmations?
These can be used to "train your brain" to think a certain way.