Self-esteem is a person’s evaluation of his or her own self-worth. Self-esteem is self-conscious personal appraisal, and high self-esteem is characterized by a person having positive self-conscious emotions such as contentment, confidence, and happiness whereas low-self-esteem is characterized by negative self-conscious emotions such as guilt, shame, and regret. Almost anyone can have low self-esteem, and self-esteem often changes for many throughout their lives instead of remaining a constant. Those with low self-esteem may experience a chronically negative mood, depression, sadness, and despair. Low self-esteem is connected to several causes such as abuse, neglect, criticism, mental disorders and many more.
Those with low self-esteem may medicate their negative self-conscious emotions with drugs or alcohol. They may struggle with interpersonal relationships, with performance at school or work, or other problems. However, too high of a self-esteem has been linked to abuse and other problems. Extremely high self-esteem is thought by some psychologists to be similar or equal to narcissism. Finding a happy medium with self-esteem often requires the help of a treatment program. There are a wide variety of treatments available for those with low self-esteem to help them deal with their negative self-conscious emotions and provide them with education and tools to overcome self-esteem struggles.
Low Self-esteem Symptoms
Symptoms and signs of low self-esteem will vary between individuals. Some do not obviously show that they have low self-esteem, but they may overcompensate with exaggerated displays of pride or happiness when in reality they have a negative self-perception. Others wear their self-conscious emotions on their sleeves and clearly show the signs of low self-esteem.
Those with low self-esteem may criticize themselves or others excessively. They may not have faith in their own abilities and potential, and they may consider themselves incapable or unable to be successful. They may criticize their own looks and envy others who are perceived to look better. They often show signs of depression such as sadness, fatigue, a loss of interest in pleasurable or social activities, and other symptoms.
Drug or alcohol addictions often develop in those with low self-esteem as a form of self-medication. They may disclose to trusted friends or family how much they dislike themselves, however in some cases their perceptions are hidden and internalized. Those who are negatively self-conscious often do not make eye contact with strangers and they may not accept compliments as being genuine. In some cases, they are more prone to anger and short-temperedness as a result of depression or bipolar disorder, and they may use negative or pessimistic language when describing themselves or others.
Low Self-Esteem Causes
Low self-esteem can have several different causes. Often, those with body dysmorphic disorder or eating disorders have low self-esteem due to a negative perception of their bodies or looks. Those with low self-esteem may also have other disorders such as depression or anxiety. Low self-esteem can be the side effect of psychological disorders, abuse, drug addiction, bullying, and many other causes. Children and adults who were abused are more likely to have low self-esteem. High stress environments with criticism and negative interactions can cause low self-esteem in both children and adults.
Although many causes are psychological or environmental, some of the causes may be genetic. Low self-esteem may be the result of heritable disorders such as depression and alcoholism. Parents and familial influence can lead to low self-esteem due to parents living vicariously through their children and putting pressure on them, or as a result of harsh criticism of their children. Perfectionism can lead to self-esteem problems due to a person having expectations that are too high and then not being able to meet those expectations. Unemployment often leads to depression which then may lead to low self-esteem due to a person being unable to provide for his or her family or self.
Effects of Low Self-esteem
The effects of low self-esteem can be severe and are related to several long-term psychological disorders. Children with low self-esteem very often have trouble performing to the best of their ability in school. They do not try as hard because they believe that they are not capable of doing well. Children may also be very reluctant to participate in social events due to a fear of being criticized or shyness.
Low self-esteem often leads to problems with intimate relationships in adults. The partner with low self-esteem will often have trouble opening up to the other due to insecurity and a lack of trust in people. Adults often suffer from work related performance problems as well due to a hopelessness or lack of faith in their potential for quality work. They will also hesitate to ask others for help out of a fear of rejection. When rejection does occur, it reinforces their negative beliefs about themselves and others.
Low self-esteem can lead to a person closing themselves off from new and better opportunities. Many become comfortable with non-ideal circumstances. They may show signs of an extreme distrust of others due to cynicism that has developed from past negative experiences with people. Low self-esteem can also be related to suicidal ideations, and this is often seen in those with major depressive disorder.
Treatment for Low Self-esteem
Treatment for those with low self-esteem has a large degree of variance between individuals because of the wide range of causes. Treatment involves both psychotherapy and psychiatric medications when appropriate. Medications may be used to treat mood disorders such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. Side effects of these medications vary between individuals, and medications are often not prescribed unless the side-effects are less severe than the effects of the patient’s disorder.
Those with low self-esteem may be diagnosed with a psychological disorder under clinical evaluation, or they may only have self-esteem problems that can be treated independently. Treatment involves training patients in psychological techniques such as positive affirmations, positive communication techniques, and life management skills. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is very effective at treating low self-esteem because it helps patients identify and counteract the specific thought patterns that are at the foundation of the patient’s negative self-image.
Psychological counselors may suggest a change in environment or home location in order for a person to eliminate negative environmental triggers that can make low self-esteem worse. Those with low self-esteem often require and benefit from the social support of others in order to improve their self-image. There are many outpatient treatments and group support programs available that offer social support. Social support is proven to be helpful at improving self-esteem in the short term and long term.
