Sometimes feelings of low self-esteem are a culmination of several events that led to those negative feelings of self-worth. No one can return to “the scene of the crime” and retract the words, repair bruised feelings, and diminish the pain that resulted from an exchange that was five, ten years ago. Perhaps you were a schoolchild the first time it occurred to you that you’d never be as “good” as someone else. 

Symptoms of low self-esteem

Frequent fear and anxiety are experienced by people who suffer from low self-esteem. There’s really nothing – absolutely nothing – that feels good about low self-esteem.

Other symptoms include:

• These people experience panic attacks when they think they’ve made a wrong decision that others will notice. They think needing help is an admission of inadequacy.
• Depression, feelings of devastation – These people are so afraid of making a bad decision they isolate themselves and refrain from new activities. They often remain in a destructive relationship for fear of being alone.
• Hopelessness about the future – They feel there are so many things they can’t do well, especially social skills and relationships that they refuse to try new things.
• Hypersensitivity – They feel that others are laughing at them, criticising them or will take advantage of them.
• Lack of assertiveness – They are too afraid of upsetting others (and then being rejected) to tell the truth, ask for what they want, or share their feelings.
• Passivity leading to aggression – The need to tell the truth and assert their feelings builds to a point where they become aggressive-defensive, sarcastic, rude, or even violent.
• Obsessive-compulsive, workaholic, perfectionism, over-spending, alcohol, drugs and sex are the feel-goods people with low self-esteem may use. They will stay in a dead-end job rather than venture outside their comfort zone to seek other employment. “People who lack self-confidence are very needy,” says Marilyn Sorensen, PhD. “These are self-defeating behaviours that low self-esteem sufferers repeat over and over.”

Boost Your Self-Esteem

It’s never too late to learn how to appreciate yourself, value yourself, and live a happier lifestyle that involves body and mind wellness! Here are some essential tips to increase your self-esteem, and they’re so easy, you’ll wonder why you waited:

• Stop yourself every time you begin self-bashing! “I’m such an idiot; I just missed that turn!”
• Don't compare yourself to others: “If I had her legs, I could wear shorts, too . . .”
• Start The feel-good scientific benefits of exercise are undisputed!
• Strive for progress, not perfection!
• Avoid re-hashing and beating to death every mistake you ever made. You made a mistake. It’s over. Move on.
• Focus on the positive changes you can make that don’t depend on anyone else for approval or support!
• Do something you enjoy every day!
• Implement change. We are a one-of-a-kind wellness facility that understands the healthy balance needed between body, mind, and your spiritual self; our trained professionals can customize a program that is uniquely you.
• Relax. Relaxation and self-improvement come in many forms for many people. Your plan may include soothing yoga, spa treatments, and herbal teas, while another option is a dynamic workout that invigorates every muscle in your body!

Learn from the best: here are 5 things happy people do that you should do to.