‘Self-Esteem’ is related to how we view ourselves and others, and is concerned with the thoughts, beliefs and feelings we have about ourselves, our world and our future. Low Self-Esteem therefore refers to negative self-perception and negative feelings about one’s future and world, which culminates in a sense of low-self worth. For example, common beliefs include ‘i’m not good enough’; ‘i’m unloveable’, ‘i’m not attractive enough’ and so on.
It is normal for us to all experience negative or critical thoughts about ourselves from time-to-time. For people with Low Self-Esteem however, these experiences can be persistent, recurrent and debilitating.
The symptoms of Low Self-Esteem can include:
- negative or critical thoughts and commentary about ourselves
- negative predictions about what could go wrong
- anxiety and low mood
- increased avoidance and use of coping behaviours to alleviate these thoughts and feelings, but which often maintain and reinforce them
- isolation and loneliness
Treatment for Low Self-Esteem
Effective treatments for Low Self-Esteem include Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT).
We’re here to help. If you would like to know more about treatment for Low Self-Esteem at Sanctum, please contact us to arrange an assessment.
