How Your Self-Esteem Affects Your Mental Health
Most people struggle with low self-esteem at some point in their lives. Self-esteem is not considered a mental health condition in itself, but the way we think about ourselves has a direct impact on our mental health.
What is Self-Esteem?
Self-esteem refers to how people feel about themselves. An individual with a healthy or high sense of self-esteem believes in their abilities and thinks positively about themselves. Setting healthy boundaries is not a problem for them since they believe they deserve respect.
Low self-esteem makes individuals feel bad about themselves. As a result, they constantly compare themselves with others and always come up short. It is common for them to not set healthy boundaries and not feel worthy of love and respect, allowing others to take advantage of them.
How Does a Low Self-Esteem Affect Mental Health?
The following are some ways low self-esteem can impact a person’s mental health:
Poor Relationships
Connection is a fundamental part of human nature. But when we have low self-esteem, we tend to isolate ourselves causing us to not be part of social gatherings, which only leads to loneliness and creating poor relationships with others.
Addiction
Researchers have found that low self-esteem in childhood can lead to addictions in adulthood. In order to cope with negative feelings about themselves, many addicts use alcohol and other substances.
Depression and Anxiety
Depression and anxiety can develop as a result of living with low self-esteem week after week, day after day.
How to Build Your Self-Esteem
A happy and healthy life depends on building self-esteem. However, it isn’t always easy. It’s not like saying I am going to lose weight, go to the gym, and eat less. It is more complicated than that.
That is why we recommend working with a trained therapist who specializes in helping people build their self-esteem. A therapist can help you identify your core negative beliefs and determine where they came from. They can then help you develop new, realistic self-esteem that reflects who you truly are.
If you or someone you know is suffering from low self-esteem and would like to explore treatment options, please get in touch with us. We would be happy to help. We offer Telehealth and in-person sessions.
Other Counseling Services Offered at The Mindful Practice in Winter Park, FL
In addition to our Winter Park, FL practice, we also offer online therapy to anyone in Florida. You can receive treatment for anxiety, depression, PTSD, and trauma in person or virtually. We also provide counseling for teens, grief, social anxiety disorder, and post-bariatric surgery. Our techniques include EMDR, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and more. Please reach out to start getting support for your mental health.
SOURCES:
https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/July-2016/Why-Self-Esteem-Is-Important-for-Mental-Health
https://www.hormona.io/why-self-esteem-affects-your-mental-health/