Self-Esteem
Self-esteem is your overall attitude and sense of worth about yourself. Low self-esteem may develop independently or be a symptom of another disorder. Chronic feelings of low self-esteem should be taken seriously, because they can become more intense over time and progressively invade nearly every aspect of your life. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a practical, solution-focused approach to low self-esteem and other mental health issues.
Characteristics of Low Self-Esteem
Individuals with low self-esteem exhibit a combination of characteristics that may include:
Intense self-criticism
Hypersensitivity
Indecisiveness
Insecurity
Perfectionism
Pessimism
Irritability
Social withdrawal
People with low self-esteem tend to believe that others’ approval of them is dependent on their performance or success. They may struggle to identify their positive qualities and often hold core beliefs about themselves that reinforce feelings of unworthiness. For those who suffer from low self-esteem, even seemingly minor criticism can register as highly personal and have negative emotional effects.
Factors that Influence Self-Esteem
Factors that shape a person’s self-esteem include:
Your beliefs about of yourself
How others respond to you
Personal experiences at home, school, work or socially
Your cultural or religious upbringing
What you encounter through media like television, film and the Internet—and how you perceive what you experience—can also impact your self-esteem. Brain chemistry and hereditary factors are also thought to play roles in your self-esteem.
Low Self-Esteem & Your Mental Health
Low self-esteem may be a sole mental health issue or a symptom of another condition, such as bipolar disorder, or an anxiety disorder. While occasional feelings of low self-worth are normal, chronic low self-esteem may worsen without treatment and eventually lead to major depressive disorder, a severe form of depression that can adversely impact schoolwork, job and relationships, as well as contribute to suicidal thoughts.
CBT for Low Self-Esteem
Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) has proven to be a highly effective approach for coping with low self-esteem and building a positive sense of self. Research supports the use of CBT for improving global self-esteem and reducing negative thoughts.
CBT helps you recognize your core beliefs about yourself—the “story” that you live your life around. Therapy focuses on restructuring unhelpful beliefs and replacing them with healthier, more balanced perspectives. CBT therapy sessions often include identifying self-critical patterns, challenging negative thoughts, and learning practical strategies to build confidence.
Through therapy sessions, CBT provides the tools you need to develop a balanced view of yourself and to treat yourself and others with more compassion and flexibility. The goal is not just to “think positively” but to build genuine self-worth that allows you to feel good about who you are, independent of external validation.
