How Low Self-Esteem Effects Your Mental Health

Self-esteem refers to how a person feels about themselves. When a person has low self-esteem, they feel unworthy, not capable, and not valuable. These feelings make it difficult to develop healthy coping skills for stress management, which can lead to depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and suicidal ideation. Additionally, people with low self-esteem are more likely to be in abusive relationships which further perpetuates their low self-esteem.

*If you are experiencing suicidal ideation, please call 988 or visit your nearest emergency room.

Signs You May Have Low Self-Esteem:

• Persistent negative self-talk
• Poor ability to enforce boundaries
• Sensitivity to criticism
• Difficulty making decisions
• Self-doubt
• Constant apologizing
• Isolation
• Comparing to others
• Difficulty asking for help
• People pleasing

4 Tips to Help Increase Your Self-Esteem 

Reframe negative self-thoughts: For people with low self-esteem, negative thoughts become automatic. Reframe negative thoughts into something more realistic and positive to help increase compassionate self-talk.

Focus on your strengths: People with low self-esteem struggle to recognize or value their strengths. Make a list of your strengths, no matter how big or small they seem, and focus on how they add value to your life.

Practice self-care: Make time for activities that encourage wellness and happiness. For example, reading, cooking healthy meals, or exercising.

Build a positive support system: Surround yourself with positive people who value your worth. Limit engagement with people who are negative or make you feel bad about yourself.

How Psychotherapy Can Improve Your Self-Esteem and Mental Health

Psychotherapy can help you strengthen your self-esteem and limit critical self-talk. Through psychotherapy you can:

• Resolve past trauma that effects self-esteem
• Learn to challenge and reframe negative thoughts
• Identify and enhance your strengths
• Decrease feelings of shame and guilt
• Become more assertive
• Strengthen boundaries

I offer online psychotherapy for men and women who live in Tennessee or Georgia. Contact me today to request a Psychotherapy appointment!