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Low self esteem
All sorts of stuff can cause you to lose confidence in yourself or even not to have a lot of confidence in the first place.
If you find yourself constantly worrying about anything from your body to your ability to give a work presentation, then it's time to improve your self-confidence.
What's low self-esteem?
Self-esteem is how you feel about yourself compared to others. So if you have low self-esteem it means that you think less of yourself than of other people. This could be in how you look or your abilities (at work, school, sport, etc).
What causes low self-esteem?
All sorts of stuff can cause you to lose confidence in yourself or even not to have a lot of confidence in the first place. These include:
- Being criticised or teased a lot by other people (maybe family, so-called friends, a teacher or a boss).
- Being made to feel worthless, feeling unloved or neglected or being abused.
- A change in your life like parents separating, losing a job, being unemployed or breaking up with someone.
- Low self-esteem can be a symptom of depression. Read about depression here.
How do you recognise low self-esteem?
- You might have very little confidence, feel not good enough or criticise yourself a lot.
- You might feel helpless, powerless or isolated and often need the approval of others.
- You might be afraid to try new things or take on responsability because you're worried you won't be able to do it.
- You don't expect to ever do things well, so you don't try. Maybe you don't even know what you're good at.
- You might be shy and don't speak out for yourself.
- Bullies are often said to have low self-esteem: maybe you get into fights, argue about stupid things or lose your temper easily.
Read on to find out how to build your confidence.
See the help section for supportive information and contacts details of support organisations.
