Self-Esteem

Self-esteem is a measure of self-respect and confidence.

Low self-esteem is a common problem. It can lead to:

Many people struggle with self-esteem issues in therapy. There is a wide range of problems related to low self-esteem, including depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and eating disorders.

Low self-esteem can affect people in different ways. Some people feel embarrassed and ashamed. Others are more aggressive and less confident. Still, others avoid social interactions and withdraw from everyone.

People with low self-esteem tend to have negative views of themselves and the world. They focus on negative feelings and tend to view themselves and others through negative lenses. These lenses shape how they view themselves, others, and the world.

Low self-esteem can result in the following problems:

People with low self-esteem are more likely to have serious relationship difficulties, such as affairs, divorce, and abandonment. They are also more likely to experience problems with the law, such as theft and assault.

Low self-esteem is associated with the development of eating disorders. These can lead to serious physical problems, such as death. Eating disorders also cause depression.

Low self-esteem has also been linked to substance abuse.

High self-esteem can mean the difference between succeeding and failing at life.

The causes of low self-esteem are not clear. Some researchers believe that low self-esteem is caused by genetics and that some people are genetically predisposed to low self-esteem.

Other people believe that low self-esteem is caused by life circumstances. They point to difficult family relationships and physical or sexual abuse in childhood.