Signs of low self-esteem
The signs of low self-esteem are far and wide. Some signs are easy to recognize such as hearing yourself or others say; I don’t like the way I look. I don’t like the way I sound. I am not good enough. I don’t want to leave my house. Everyone looks better then me. I am too weird. I am too awkward. Nobody likes me. Does this sound familiar? Unfortunately, low self-esteem can negatively effect your job, your family, your friends, your physical body, and your own mental health. It can create porous and rigid boundaries, broken relationships, sickness, anger, depression, and anxiety. SE issues do not discriminate; they occur in children, teenagers, and adults.
Children and teenagers
What does it look like when children have low-SE? Children tend to show signs by:
- saying self-defeating things about themselves
- being aggressive
- being shy
- avoiding certain situations or people
- being overly silly
- crying
- showing signs of distress in school and at home
- can be inordinately dependent on a parent
Teenagers have common characteristics with children with low self-esteem but you might notice several other attributes. Teens suffering with SE issues might present:
- very strong language
- constantly apologizing,
- uninterested in sports or hobbies
- participate in constant gossiping
- physical fighting
- drug or alcohol use
- little or no eye contact
- the constant need to blame others or themselves
Women and Men
Low self-esteem as an adult can be incredibly painful or not even recognized by an inflated ego (defense mechanism to counter balance low self-esteem). Adults can show the same characteristics as kids and teenagers but lets look at some other components.
One of the biggest signs when it comes to low self-esteem in adults is:
- the inability to have healthy friendships or healthy intimate relationships
- cheating
- lying
- dating someone much younger or much older then themselves
- feel the need to be in a relationship at all times
- multiple marriages
- constantly gossiping or putting other people down
- comparing themselves to others
- always on the defense
- gives themselves a false sense of worth by buying expensive material things
- thinking and believing one is right all the time or more educated (smarter) then everyone else
Uh oh…I want high self-esteem
Unlock your true self.
A person with high or healthy self-esteem tends to have a much more lighter and fulling life; it is something to strive for. There are many ways to build self-esteem but first things first, you must be aware that self-esteem is an issue! If you have a child or teenager suffering from self-esteem issues get them help immediately. If you are an adult suffering with low self-esteem and have acceptance you are one step closer to releasing the negative views and habits you have picked along your journey.
Here is 5 ways to improve your self-esteem this week.
- Therapy (of course)
- Challenge your negative thoughts and replace them with positive thoughts
- Work-out/Run/Yoga/Walk/Swim ect…anything active that you enjoy
- Write down things you do like about you and recite them daily
- Incorporate something new in your life, change is key
You got this!
MEET ALYSSA
Alyssa Warren is a licensed therapist, blogger, and owner of Innovative Direction in Pensacola, FL. All Florida residents and international clients are welcome to contact Alyssa as she also provides online therapy and consulting to clients unable to meet in her office. Call today 850-583-1342 or email Alyssa and make an appointment info@pensacolacounseling.com.