Understanding Low Self-Esteem and How Therapy Can Reestablish Your Relationship to Yourself

In today's fast-paced and demanding world, it's not uncommon for individuals to experience periods of self-doubt and insecurity. Low self-esteem is a prevalent issue that affects people from all walks of life, leading to a range of emotional and psychological challenges.

Understanding Low Self-Esteem

Low self-esteem can be defined as a negative perception of oneself, often characterized by feelings of inadequacy, self-criticism, and a lack of self-acceptance. You often feel unworthy, insecure, inadequate, and like a failure. You spend a lot of time obsessing over and criticizing yourself for your perceived shortcoming, weaknesses, and mistakes. You set high standards for yourself, expecting yourself to be perfect and when you fall short of those expectations, you ruminate on your experiences, hoping to never repeat the same mistake again. You deeply wish you had the self-confidence of others, the ability to be mediocre at things and not let it put you down, and the strength to just get over criticism or rejection.

Common Symptoms of Low Self-Esteem

Recognizing the signs of low self-esteem is crucial in addressing this issue effectively. Some common symptoms include:

• Persistent self-criticism and negative self-talk

• Constant feelings of worthlessness or inadequacy

• Avoidance of social situations or new challenges due to fear of failure

• Perfectionism and setting unrealistic standards for oneself

• Difficulty accepting compliments or praise from others

• Chronic feelings of anxiety or depression

If you find yourself experiencing any of these symptoms on a regular basis, it may be time to seek support because you deserve to feel good about who you are, just as you are.

Treatments for Low Self-Esteem

Fortunately, low self-esteem is a condition that can be effectively managed and improved with the right treatment approach. Here are some strategies and therapeutic interventions that can help individuals boost their self-esteem and cultivate a more positive self-perception:

1. Self-Compassion Practices

Mindfulness and gratitude practices can help you remain focused on the present moment and adopt a non-judgmental attitude of your experiences, leading to increased self-compassion and acceptance.

2. Setting Realistic Goals

Learning to set achievable and realistic goals can help you build a sense of accomplishment and self-efficacy, leading to a gradual improvement in self-esteem over time.

3. Building a Supportive Network

Surrounding yourself with positive and encouraging individuals who uplift and support you can make a significant difference in boosting your self-esteem. Seek out friends, family members, or support groups that foster a sense of belonging and acceptance.

4. Developing Assertiveness Skills

Learning to express your needs, desires, and boundaries respectfully and with confidence helps reduce people-pleasing behaviors and encourages a healthier sense of self-worth.

5. Physical Activity and Self-Care

Engaging in regular physical exercise and practicing self-care activities such as proper nutrition, sleep, and relaxation techniques can contribute to an overall sense of well-being and self-worth.

6. Engaging in Activities that Foster Self-Worth

Pursuing hobbies, interests, or volunteer work that bring joy and a sense of purpose while focusing on strengths and achievements rather than dwelling on perceived shortcomings can lead to a shift in mindset.

7. Therapy and Counselling

Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can help you identify and challenge the negative thought patterns and beliefs that are lowering your self-esteem. By replacing them with more positive and realistic ones, you can gradually improve your sense of self-worth.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) encourages you to embrace your thoughts and feelings rather than resist them. ACT also guides you to live according to your values, shift your attention away from self-judgment, fully engage with your present experiences, and foster self-compassion, helping you accept your imperfections and find fulfillment beyond insecurities.

Solution-focused therapy (SFT) empowers you to focus on your strengths, successes, and solutions rather than problems. It empowers you to envision your desired future, recognize past successes, and take small, achievable steps, ultimately reinforcing your confidence and self-worth.

How TTYT Can Help

Maybe you’re used to hiding how you feel—putting on a brave face even when you’re struggling inside. No matter what you accomplish or how hard you try, that inner voice keeps whispering, “You’re not good enough. You don’t matter.” It’s exhausting, isolating, and painful. Right now, it might feel impossible to believe that you could ever truly like yourself—but healing is possible. Although building self-esteem doesn’t happen overnight, with time and consistent effort, you can develop a healthier and more resilient sense of self. You are worthy of self-love, capable of growth, and deserving of happiness.

At Today Tomorrow Yesterday Therapy, we know that low self-esteem isn’t who you are. We see your value, even when it’s hard for you to see it yourself. We’ll start by unpacking the root causes of low self-esteem, then we’ll identify strategies to silence that harsh inner critic, build confidence and assertiveness skills, and help you reconnect with what brings you joy.

Book a Free Consultation and let us help you take that first step toward self-acceptance.

Here's to a life where you fully embrace your unique qualities, find strength in vulnerability, and cultivate an unwavering belief in yourself.