What are Self-Esteem Issues?
Having a healthy level of self-esteem is a foundational aspect of having a good sense of mental wellbeing. A good sense of self-esteem can help you live up to your potential in school, at work, in relationships, and in every area of your life. People who have low self-esteem are likely to underachieve, be afraid to go for their dreams, and tend stay in unsatisfying or unhealthy relationships. They are also more vulnerable to feelings of anxiety and depression. On the other end of the spectrum, those who have an inflated sense of self-esteem often feel they are special and have a sense of entitlement that others may view as arrogant and demanding. At the extreme, these people may have narcissistic personality disorder. It may seem counterintuitive, but people who appear to have excessive self-esteem or who are narcissists may actually suffer from low self-esteem.

Who is Affected by Self-Esteem Issues?
Low self-esteem is common. Self-esteem typically fluctuates across the lifespan. In general, self-esteem is fairly high during childhood, dips during adolescence (especially in girls), rises steadily throughout adulthood, then tends to fall steeply in old age. Research from the Dove Self-Esteem Project shows that 7 in 10 girls say they don’t measure up or aren’t good enough in some way. And 85% of women and 79% of girls say they choose not to participate in activities when they don’t feel good about the way they look.

Low self-esteem can affect boys and men too. In one study, over 80% of men said they talk about body image and point out flaws and imperfections in ways that promote anxiety.

What are the Symptoms of Self-Esteem Issues?
Signs and symptoms of self-esteem issues often emerge during a person’s teens or in young adulthood. See below on this page to learn the characteristics associated with healthy self-esteem and some of the common symptoms associated with low self-esteem and inflated self-esteem.

What Causes Self-Esteem Issues?
Many factors can influence your self-esteem in a negative way, including:

Genetics: Heredity
Exposure to trauma: Negative emotional experiences or turbulent relationships
Poor academic performance: Having learning difficulties or trouble in school
Social media: Constantly comparing yourself to others on social platforms
Thinking patterns: Tendency to focus on flaws and weaknesses

Self-esteem issues that go unchecked can lead to physical, psychological, and social consequences.

Low self-esteem:
Anxiety
Depression
Substance abuse
Violence
Suicide
Eating disorders


Inflated self-esteem:
Substance abuse
Anxiety
Mood disorders
Violence
Suicide

TAL CMHC offers beneficial services that encourage insight, self-reflection, and healthy coping mechanisms. Our therapists reinforce positive emotions, placing emphasis on positive behaviors and the connection these behaviors have with feelings.