Healthy Self-Esteem
Healthy self-esteem is learned. One factor that contributes to our self-worth later on in life is positive reinforcement during our developing years.
We must recognize the influence of our formative years, thoughts and feelings, and role models that impact our self-esteem. Life experiences are by our childhood interactions with people closest to us.
There are many causes for low self-esteem, including neglectful, abusive, controlling, or judgmental parenting, bullying by peers, or even mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression.
Also, self-esteem can stem from
not feeling unconditionally loved
and valued by a parent.
Unhealthy Self-Esteem
Unhealthy Self-esteem can manifest, such as:
- *Feeling worthless or that your life is meaningless
- *Feeling incompetent or inferior
- *Feeling unloved or generally unwanted or disliked
- *Needing others' approval and opinions
- *Frequent or irrational feelings of guilt
- *Self-criticalness or criticalness of others
- *Self-doubt and indecision
- *Self-destructive behavior
- *Comparing yourself to others
- *Discounting your needs, compassion, and wants
- *Staying in relationships where your investment or love isn't reciprocated
- *Discomfort with compliments
- *Difficulty speaking up, sharing opinions, or setting limits with people
- *Frequent negative thoughts and emotions
- *Being drawn to destructive relationships
- *Difficulty trusting yourself
- *Fear of intimacy
- *Problem starting and completing tasks or pursuing goals
- *Distorted views of yourself and others
