If you read our article on how the media can negatively affect self-esteem you will discover that we described the distinction between self-worth and self-esteem in this way: the evaluation and estimation of oneself.
Understanding that self-worth precedes self-esteem, we can see self-esteem as a feeling or thought view of one’s self-worth. That reaffirms the connection we presented in the previous article.
In this article, we will look at low self-esteem, what it means, and how to fix it. I hope you have a great read, as always.
What Is Low Self-esteem?
When we looked at low self-worth, I used the number line to make a presentation, which I would do in this case. But the interesting thing is that I will tell you why, assuming you are wondering.
According to the number line, there is 0 at the central point, representing the neutral ground, the minus on the left, and the plus on the right. The minus on the left represents the negative, less than, or lower numbers, while the plus on the right represents the positive, greater than, or higher numbers. What do we make of that?
The definition of self-esteem takes the neutral ground, but your version or the description of your estimation of yourself can be either positive or negative. If it is positive, you have a high estimation of yourself, but if it is negative, you have a low estimation of yourself. For the common good of all, you can substitute regard for estimation.
Therefore, low self-esteem means having low regard for oneself. It could be a belief that one is less in the company of others or the thoughts that one is not good enough. That is a lack of confidence in oneself.
Now, you would wonder about the probable cause or causes of low self-esteem. I would say that it could be genetic, environmental, circumstantial, and ideological. All that links to how you think and influences your thoughts about yourself.
Signs Of Low Self-esteem
I remember my years in high school when a teacher appeared to have taken some stimulants before coming to teach. It was unfortunate as the odor traveled each time he opened his mouth to speak, and it soon became a subject of discussion among my fellow students. Then, I learned that it was either he was suffering from low self-esteem or an addiction. Comparing both possibilities, the first would most likely be the case (in my opinion). And that is a physical sign of low self-esteem.
The signs of low self-esteem are visible actions and manifestations that suggest the possibility of a person suffering from low self-esteem. I use the term suffering because, for many, it is a challenge and a struggle.
In addition to my first example, let me list other possible signs of low self-esteem below:
- Being hostile to others.
- Showing high sensitivity to criticisms.
- Withdrawal from social gatherings.
- Being excessively preoccupied with personal problems.
- Other physical signs, including depression and anxiety, etc.
Let us assume that you are suffering from or are experiencing low self-esteem. You most likely would be looking for how to fix it, right? So, let us get to it!
How To Fix Low Self-esteem
There are several things you could do in the event that you have a low view of yourself compared to others. According to Psychology Today, an estimated 85 percent of people worldwide, including adults and adolescents, have low self-esteem.
Can low self-esteem be fixed? Yes, you can improve confidence in yourself by doing certain things consistently.
In our previous article, as highlighted, we mentioned some ways to boost your self-esteem, including doing physical exercises and community services, eating healthy food, meeting new people and keeping a healthy company, reading self-help books, sleeping adequately, and more.
What can you make of the list? To fix or improve your self-esteem is a responsibility that you must be deliberate and decisive about. It must be out of love for yourself, so you must love yourself.
The deal with self-esteem is a thoughtful one, and the dealing must be thoughtfully. By that, I mean that you have to think positively about yourself consistently, and you will develop a positive view of yourself to outweigh the negative so you can be greater than rather than less than.
Iman on Brainy Quote said this: “I suffer from low self-esteem. I had horrible self-esteem growing up. You really have to save yourself because the critic within you will eat you up. It’s not the outside world – it’s your interior life, that critic within you, that you have to silence.”
You have what it takes: focus on what you have, work on yourself, and appreciate yourself. We love and appreciate you being here.
