It's hard for anyone to know exactly how they feel about themselves. Therefore, defining self-esteem is not a simple task. But it is important to seek self-awareness and always be aware as there is a strong relationship between low self-esteem and depression.
And contrary to popular belief, self-esteem is not necessarily related to having other people's love, trusting friends, succeeding at work. One can have all this and still not be right with oneself.
There is also no formula for keeping self-esteem always high. But some tips from psychologists can help work this issue better. Here are seven things they would like you to know.
1. Getting a lot of compliments is not the solution
When someone is feeling down, it is not a compliment that will change that, especially when that compliment comes from a family member or friend you know wants to please you. But in general, that's what people think, so that's usually the most common attitude. At such times, the most effective is for people nearby to offer emotional support. It works more than just praising you.
2. Money is not the solution either
Material success can be a trap for self-esteem. There is a sense that bank account balance is synonymous with happiness, but studies have shown that the exact opposite can happen: Those who believe this are more likely to have psychological consequences when something goes wrong in their life or career. Keeping your self-esteem tied to your financial life is not good for one thing or the other.
Read also: Why do we need self-esteem?
3. It Can End Your Relationships
Although it may seem like an individual problem, having low self-esteem makes people more insecure and more resentful, which leads to behaviors that hurt others, especially in more intimate relationships. A study done in the Netherlands in 2017 showed that those with low self-esteem tend to regret choices that involve their partner (from movie watching to something bigger like relocating) because they feel inferior and think their opinions are unimportant.
4. Having a large group of friends is not that important
Self-esteem has a lot to do with others' perceptions of a person. So there is an idea that having a lot of friends makes a person feel better. But really, it's not like that. Have friendships or contacts in many different places? at the gym, at work, old school or college classmates, among others? You can reinforce your many values in many ways at the same time, so it's better than being part of a single group (albeit with more members).
5. You may become more intolerant
The way one views the world is shaped by self-esteem. A 2011 study showed that the lower one's self-esteem, the more people tend to behave with prejudice and fanaticism toward others. Those who feel better about themselves are unlikely to be threatened by differences or believe in very radical opinions, and will respect everyone's choices.
6. Women are no more vulnerable than men.
Common sense has long believed that girls tend to have a weaker self-esteem than boys, but a study of 14- to 30-year-olds showed that there is no gender distinction between this feeling. Boys / men are as vulnerable to low self-esteem as girls / women. What happens is that often, especially in adolescence, there is greater social pressure on girls to fit a pattern, which causes many to start disliking themselves.
7. Simple gestures help a lot
It doesn't take much to support a person who needs to improve their self esteem. There are very simple ways to help. Give signals (or say) that you believe in that person's value. Do for her small daily tasks, such as home organization. And, above all, being interested in talking and having the company, without trying to resolve, but only being available to be together at that moment.
Read also: 10 Le Baragosse Safe To Improve Your Self Esteem
All of these tips are important for anyone experiencing a low self-esteem phase or living with someone in this situation. But in all cases it is essential to look for a psychologist who will know how to work the right way to overcome any problem.
How To Have More Self Confidence and Self Esteem (April 2024)
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