Overview
Low self-esteem feels like moving through life with your handbrake on. People with low self-esteem often hold persistent negative beliefs about themselves, underestimate their abilities, and avoid opportunities that might challenge those beliefs.
10 Probable Causes
Common Contexts
Low self-esteem commonly arises from repeated criticism, invalidation in early relationships, chronic stress, or environments that reward perfectionism over learning.
Symptoms of Low Self-esteem
- Little or no expectation from life
- Neglecting self-care
- Persistent negative thoughts
- Underestimating your potential
- Ruminating about past interactions
- Eating or sleep problems
- Tension, anxiety, or emotional stress
- Prolonged sadness
- Poor social or interpersonal skills
10 Bad Effects of Low Self-esteem
- Behavioral withdrawal
- Avoiding new experiences
- Social avoidance
- Refusing challenging tasks
- Worse mental health outcomes
- Limited career growth
- Increased risk of depression
- Fear and chronic tension
- Hypersensitivity to criticism
- Emotional numbing or blocks
Instead of focusing only on perceived faults, notice strengths and practice counter-evidence to negative thoughts. Small, consistent steps—like celebrating a single win each week—help rebuild confidence.
How to help yourself or others
Offer encouragement, celebrate small achievements, and suggest skill-building (therapy, behavioral experiments, self-compassion exercises). Challenge unhelpful beliefs with concrete evidence and set achievable goals.
Choose one small supportive action this week: a genuine compliment to yourself, trying a short new task, or asking for feedback from a trusted person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about low self-esteem, its causes, and how to improve it.
What is low self-esteem?
Low self-esteem is a negative overall opinion of oneself, judging or evaluating oneself harshly and placing a general negative value on oneself as a person.
Definition
It can affect thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, leading to avoidance of challenges and social situations.
What causes low self-esteem?
Causes include negative early experiences, critical or neglectful parenting, bullying, trauma, chronic stress, and repeated failures or criticism.
Origins
Low self-esteem often develops over time and can be reinforced by ongoing negative experiences.
Can low self-esteem be improved?
Yes. With self-awareness, support, and evidence-based strategies (like CBT, self-compassion, and gradual exposure to challenges), self-esteem can be rebuilt over time.
Growth
Small, consistent steps and positive reinforcement are key to lasting change.
When should I seek help for low self-esteem?
If low self-esteem is causing significant distress, interfering with daily life, or leading to depression or anxiety, consider seeking support from a mental health professional.
Professional Support
Therapists can provide tailored strategies and encouragement for building self-esteem.
References & further reading
- Clinical approaches to improving self-esteem (CBT, ACT, compassion-focused therapy)