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Low Self-Confidence and Self-Esteem

Low self-esteem and self-confidence can occur at any time. These feelings often develop from feeling unimportant or unvalued and can result from a current work or life situation or be long-standing issues which began in childhood.

If not acknowledged, these feelings can have a detrimental effect on the sufferer and often hold them back from making the most of life, due to overwhelming fear of helplessness or powerlessness.

Symptoms of low self-esteem can include a sense of worthlessness, an inability to say ‘no’ to people or situations, or innate shyness.

Self-esteem levels develop during childhood and feelings of worth from family and friends can have an impact on how high these levels are. Individuals with low self-esteem can also feel low or depressed due to making life choices that are not beneficial for them.

Therapy can be very useful for helping sufferers learn how to communicate their hopes, wishes and fears to others.

If you or someone you know is suffering

Raising self-esteem is an internal rather than an external process, and takes time and effort to build.

Telling a loved one who suffers with low self-esteem that they are wanted and needed can only go so far to help, as loving one’s self is the key to building confidence and esteem.

Talking through hopes and fears with a counsellor can help to identify and begin the process of building self-esteem. Once self esteem levels are heightened, a more relaxed, happier outlook on life can emerge, and challenges or opportunities are created and met.