Understanding Self-Esteem
Your sense of self shapes how you move through the world — how you speak up, take risks, form relationships, and respond to setbacks. When self-esteem is low, it can quietly affect every area of your life, making it harder to feel confident, capable, or worthy of good things.
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Struggles with self-worth can stem from past experiences, criticism, comparison, or internal pressure to be perfect. Over time, these patterns can chip away at your inner sense of value and limit your ability to live fully and authentically.
How Self-Esteem May Affect People
Physically
Low self-esteem can take a physical toll, sometimes contributing to fatigue, tension, low energy, or discomfort in your body. You might notice yourself slouching, avoiding eye contact, or feeling disconnected from how you carry yourself day to day.
Behaviourally
It might show up as hesitation to try new things, difficulty asserting yourself, or avoiding situations where you might be judged. Some people overcompensate by overachieving or constantly seeking approval, while others hold back or keep themselves small.
Emotionally
You may often feel inadequate, discouraged, ashamed, or unmotivated. These emotions can linger quietly in the background or swell during moments of failure, rejection, or criticism — leaving you feeling emotionally fragile or stuck in a cycle of self-blame.
Cognitively
Self-critical thoughts may take over — thoughts like “I’m not good enough,” “I always mess things up,” or “Why bother?” You might dwell on past mistakes, compare yourself to others, or struggle to recognize your strengths and accomplishments.
Why Counselling?
Therapy can help you explore where these beliefs come from, challenge harsh inner narratives, and begin to build a more compassionate relationship with yourself. With support, it's possible to reconnect with your inner strengths, set healthier boundaries, and start seeing yourself through a more balanced and affirming lens.