Signs Of Low Self-Esteem And When To Seek Help For It!

We have all felt inadequate at some point in our life. We may find ourselves feeling upset about mistakes we made or things we said earlier. While such moments of inadequacy or insecurity are part of being human, constant feelings of not being good enough may indicate that you are struggling with low self-esteem.

Self-esteem refers to an individual’s overall sense of self-value. It is the opinion you hold of yourself which encompasses a range of factors like your self-confidence, sense of identity, feelings of belonging and competence. Self-esteem is more than just liking yourself- it also means valuing your own feelings, thoughts, interests, opinions and goals and believing you deserve more.

Low self-esteem is when an individual lacks confidence about who they are, their abilities and what they can do. They often feel inadequate, incompetent, unloved, and show signs of depression. Individuals who struggle with low self-esteem are constantly afraid of letting others down or making mistakes. Many individuals experience low self-esteem. Low self-esteem can stem from a number of experiences like one’s childhood, changes outside one’s control that are perceived as negative, or even simple brain chemistry.

Some individuals with low self-esteem may talk negatively about themselves, whereas, others might go out of their way to make sure that others are pleased with them. In either case, this lack of personal value and worth can have severe negative impacts on the individual’s life and wellness. In some cases, signs of low self-esteem can be apparent, however, other times, they can be more subtle. If you are facing such issues, we at AtEase have the best mental health experts in India to help you. AtEase is a mental health platform to nurture individuals’ mental health through advocacy, collaborations and improved accessibility. AtEase offers a safe space for individuals to reclaim their fulfilling, enjoyable and purposeful lives.

Here are some of the signs that you need to seek help to deal with your low self-esteem for:

You constantly compare yourself to others:

Social comparison can sometimes serve a positive function and enhance one’s self-image. However, comparing yourself to others can also play a role in damaging one’s self-esteem. AtEase therapists and counselors are adept at handling such issues and guiding you to overcome these obstacles. Individuals with low self-esteem are more likely to engage in upward social comparison, that is comparing themselves to others who they think are better than them. They may find themselves comparing every aspect of their lives to that of others, like financial, social, physical and materialistic possessions. By doing so, these people often find themselves left with feelings of hopelessness and inadequacy which can inhibit their self-esteem. Book a therapy session today with the best mental health experts in India. Our therapists and counsellors are licensed and one of the best across the country today.

You find it difficult to accept criticism:

Individuals with low self-esteem are more sensitive to criticism than others, whether it stems from the self or those around them. They see this criticism as reinforcing their flaws and as a confirmation of being incapable of doing anything right. This might happen at the workplace too. AtEase has the Best Mental health programs for employees in India. AtEase is also the Top Corporate Wellness Company in India today. Speak to AtEase therapists should you be finding yourself in such difficult situations.

You feel everything is out of your control:

Individuals with low self-esteem often feel like they have little or no control over their lives and what happens to them. This may be due to the fact that they feel they have limited ability to instil changes in themselves. Research has revealed that in situations wherein people have little control over what happens, having higher self-esteem can relieve some of the negative effects of this loss of control, which in turn has a benefit on their mental health.

You experience high levels of self-doubt and worry:

Despite having made a decision, individuals with low self-esteem worry that they have made the wrong choice. They often doubt their own ideas and views which may result in asking others what they think instead. This can lead to a great deal of self-doubt and second-guessing, making it harder for them to make decisions.

You are struggling with other mental health concerns:

Having low levels of self-esteem has been linked to mental health and physical health issues including depression, body image issues, eating disorders, anxiety, and unhealthy habits like substance use or alcohol abuse.

You lack confidence:

Low self-esteem plays a role in a lack of confidence and self-trust. It hinders their ability to confidently navigate the obstacles they encounter in life, which plays a crucial role in their overall well-being.

You are socially withdrawn/ You find it difficult to socialise with others:

Individuals with low self-esteem often find themselves having no desire to hold conversations with others or talk about their life as it would only reinforce the feelings of anxiety and depression they are experiencing. This can also manifest through behaviours like cancelling scheduled plans last minute, not wanting to be around others, declining invitations to meet up or going to parties.

Some other common signs of low self-esteem include excessive preoccupation with personal problems, hostility, trouble asking for what they need, difficulty accepting positive feedback, fear of failure, negative self-talk, lack of boundaries, and fixation with pleasing others.

Self-esteem plays a critical role in a number of areas in life, which is why having low levels of self-esteem can be a detrimental problem, leading to mental illness in some cases. Having issues with self-esteem can be damaging to one’s health and can negatively affect their personal and professional relationships, thoughts, emotions, and patterns of behaviour.

When one’s feelings of low self-esteem lead to distress and impairment to their normal physical and psychological functioning, it can be viewed as a red flag. In such situations, the best way for the individual to overcome low self-esteem is to seek professional help that can provide them with the right mindset, support, and shift they need in their behaviours.

One of the most effective ways to form positive self-esteem is by seeking counseling and psychotherapy. A therapist for mental health can help you identify the triggers contributing to your low self-esteem, understand where they come from and assist you in managing them. With daily practice and professional help from AtEase, who provide the best mental health counseling platform, you can build up your self-esteem. To book a session with the best mental health experts in India today, reach out to us by visiting our website at www.mentalhealthatease.com