How we See Ourselves
Self-esteem is how we see, think and feel about ourselves (Hibbert, 2013). Some may also include that it can be described as individual feelings and thoughts around our own authenticity, confidence, respect, our self-efficacy, self-worth, and self-love.
How Self-Esteem Affects Us
Our self-esteem can be high/positive or low/negative based on many situations and factors including, life experiences, personality, genetics, age, health, and how others view, treat, or react to us. It may be high when we carry positive beliefs about ourselves, and when we feel confident and have an awareness of our strengths and abilities.
We are able to value and love who we are as individuals and can withstand challenges and set-backs. When it is low, this can include negative self-talk, feelings of inferiority, insecurity, and helplessness. This can lead to deeper issues such as depression, and or, anxiety. When we struggle with low self-esteem our negative feelings of self-doubt can affect our work or school experiences. Relationships can suffer due to negative feelings of self-worth that can result in situations such as co-dependency, abuse, isolation, and bullying.
You Are in Control
Struggling with low or unhealthy self-esteem is not permanent. With support, from friends, family, or outside sources like your doctor, we can find it in ourselves to improve our self-esteem and self-worth by identifying our strengths, abilities, talents and skills.
Counselling can also be a helpful resource and support for someone who has low or negative self-esteem. Therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy can help us change our negative thinking patterns into more positive beliefs and proactive thoughts about ourselves. Counsellors can also help individuals by using Solution-Focused therapy to help increase one’s level of self-esteem. Allowing the client to focus on solutions and inner strengths will change their situation, resulting in a higher level of self-respect and feelings of confidence and self-worth and value.
Getting Help For Low Self-Esteem
If you feel like you or someone you know is struggling with a low self-esteem, I would love to work with you to help you discover your strengths, skills and talents that make you unique, exclusive, irreplaceable , valuable and loveable.
– Loretta Thorgeirson
