Self Esteem and Confidence

“The biggest stresses on human beings are emotional ones and the biggest one of all is trying to be who we are not”       

Hans Selye

 Or alternatively, not feeling comfortable or confident to be who we are meant to be.

Self-esteem can be defined as the opinion you have about yourself. Some people have positive self-esteem, they like themselves and value their achievements. Others, think critically of themselves, putting themselves down to either themselves or other people, devaluing their self-worth.

Our self-esteem or the perception we have about ourselves begins in early childhood. Significant others such as parents, teachers, siblings, friends and the media can have a positive or negative influence by the messages they give us. This can be overt in the form of abuse, criticism or bullying or it can be subtle such as being left out. We may compare ourselves to more perceived perfect individuals displayed in magazines and social media, or trying to live up to our own or someone else’s unrealistic expectations.

These experiences leave us with a belief that we are not good enough or worthy enough.

Stress and trauma can also negatively impact self-esteem.

Low Self Esteem can lead to:

• Experiencing feelings of inadequacy

• Comparing yourself negatively to others

• Hiding away from social situations

• Avoiding trying new things

• Feelings of fatigue, headaches and insomnia

• Considering your opinions and ideas valueless

• Avoiding things, you find challenging

People with low self-esteem can often feel unlovable, incompetent and awkward and it can be the leading cause of anxiety and depression.

Self Confidence