Counselling and Treatment for Low Self Esteem

Having low self-esteem means struggling to see yourself as valuable or deserving of love. It often coincides with other mental health problems such as depression, anxiety and eating disorders, and can present itself in both young people and adults. People who suffer low self-esteem often have negative thoughts, find it difficult to interact with or relate to others, and can be highly dependent on others and afraid to make their own decisions. 

There is no singular cause of low self-esteem, but a difficult and traumatic childhood or problems in one’s adult life can be contributing factors. For example, a child dealing with bullies at school may begin to feel anxious around others, worthless or cut off from social groups. Similarly, a child with undiagnosed learning difficulties or who looks different to their peers may feel they do not “fit in” with others around them, which can have long-lasting repercussions and lead them to feel they do not fit in anywhere. 

In adults, low self-esteem can develop as a result of other conditions or circumstances, including domestic violence. In cases of domestic violence, an individual suffering emotional abuse may be constantly torn down and made to feel worthless as well as dependent on their abuser. As such, feelings of guilt, anger, fear and anxiety often surround those with low self-esteem, and it can create a barrier that is difficult to break through.

In cases of domestic violence, an individual suffering emotional abuse may be constantly torn down and made to feel worthless as well as dependent on their abuser. As such, feelings of guilt, anger, fear and anxiety often surround those with low self-esteem, and it can create a barrier that is difficult to break through.

It is common for those with low self-esteem to let these emotions spiral out of control, which can sometimes develop into dangerous mental health conditions such as depression and self-harm. It is important for us to be able to recognise even the mildest symptom of low self-esteem to ensure patients are given the right treatment that sets them on a path to recovery as soon as possible.