10 Signs of Low Self-Esteem…And What to Do About It

Self-esteem refers to a person’s overall sense of self-worth or personal value. In other words, self-esteem is how you feel about yourself. It involves a variety of beliefs, such as how you perceive your own appearance, your emotions, and your behaviors. Your evaluation of such has a profound impact on the choices you make and what you consider yourself worthy and capable of doing.

When you have low self-esteem, you tend to feel poorly about yourself and judge yourself to be inferior to others. This can put you at risk of not fulfilling your full potential in life. You might not take initiative when it comes to goal setting, or put forth effort to further your education or career. With low self-esteem you may also accept poor treatment from family, friends, or romantic partners.

Here are 10 signs to help you recognize low self-esteem, in yourself or in your child:

• Negative self-perception
• Comparing self to others
• Taking constructive criticism too personally
• Being indecisive when it comes to simple decisions
• Unable to accept praise or compliments
• Apologizing too much
• Afraid to express a differing opinion or idea
• Fear of making mistakes
• Finding it hard to say “no”
• Making big gestures or buying excessive gifts for people

When it comes to low self-esteem, identifying the issue is half the battle. Understanding the source is the other half. If you can identify where your low self-esteem stems from, you can start to move toward self-acceptance.

One way to begin improving self-worth is to repeat positive affirmations daily—or even multiple times each day. The best way to identify the root cause of low self-esteem and begin improving your overall self-confidence is through therapy with a qualified therapist or counselor. A counselor can help you identify and embrace your best qualities and competencies and switch the focus of your thoughts from self-deprecating to positive. A therapist can also help you decode the negative chatter in your mind and learn to accept compliments, substitute self-criticism for self-compassion, and guide you along the journey toward appreciating yourself for the amazing human being you already are.

Are You Ready to Believe in Yourself Again?

Schedule a free consultation with a counselor at Creative Counseling Center today. On your free phone consultation, we’ll talk through where you are now, what you goals are, and pair you with the counselor who is best equipped to help you reach them. Complete the brief form below to start your journey today!