Self-Esteem – By Shahela Sheikh

Understanding Self-Esteem – Written By Shahela Sheikh

We often say that that we believe in ourselves, regardless of how we view ourselves. This article looks at self-esteem to help you understand yourself better. What is SELF-ESTEEM? Self-esteem described in the simplest way is how you view yourself; an overall opinion of how we evaluate ourselves, or a global judgement about the self. Self-esteem shapes how the person thinks feels and behaves.
How would you measure your self-esteem? To the controversial belief, many measure their self-esteem through, intelligence, attractiveness, job, possessions, wealth, relationships, achievements etc.

While some may believe to have a high self- esteem, because of the factors mentioned above, through the intensity of success and positions in different aspects of life. Others may believe to have low self-esteem. This article’s main focus is on identifying low self-esteem. What is low self-esteem? An underlying sense of inadequacy or worthlessness.

How do we recognize low self-esteem?

Identifying yourself with low self-esteem is not too hard however accepting that you may have low self-esteem can be an issue. Many of us have low self-esteem but try to fit to societal expectations that drive us away from accepting and working towards having better self-esteem. When you have low self-esteem, the best thing is to identify the changes in your thoughts, emotions, behaviours and physiology.

The thoughts include:
 Negative self-statements
 Self-criticism
 Self-doubt
 Discounts positives
 Focuses on perceived weaknesses or flaws

The behaviours include:
 Over compliance
 Difficulty asserting needs
 Avoidance of challenges and opportunities
 Closed body posture
 Poor eye contact
 Hushed voice
 Hesitancy

The feelings include:
 Sadness
 Anxiety
 Guilt
 Frustration
 Anger
 Shame

The physiology includes:
 Uncomfortable body sensations
 Anxiety symptoms
 Low energy
 Fatigue

If you experience the above, then you’re probably suffering from low self-esteem. It would be essential that you seek professional advice from a mental health specialist.

 

Shahela Sheikh – Psychologist