How to Improve Your Self-Esteem

Self-esteem is the way you view yourself — how you feel about yourself.

Some people struggle to think highly of themselves, while others may find it to be quite easy. Your self-esteem may change with your many seasons of life. It is important to make time for yourself and to appreciate yourself for who you really are.

What Causes Low Self-Esteem

Negative self-thoughts can be caused by many factors, and sometimes are not the fault of the person feeling them. Lowered self-esteem can be caused by many different things in your life, and that can make it difficult to narrow down the cause. Some of the most common causes can be:

  • People around you, like your peers, friends, teachers or family
  • Stress
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Grief

Consequences of Low Self-Esteem

A lowered self-esteem can make many tasks in your day-to-day life seem unbearable or extremely difficult. A lowered self-esteem can also increase your symptoms of anxiety or depression. Some people are more prone to falling on bad habits like drug or alcohol use during periods of low self-esteem.

How to Improve Your Self Esteem

Having a high self-esteem can make daily tasks easier. You may feel more capable of doing challenging tasks you would have been scared to try before. Improved self-esteem can create a fearlessness and a trust within yourself. You will be willing to try new things, and do what is best for you.

Identify Where Negative Thoughts Are Coming From

One of the first things you can do to improve your self-esteem is to identify when you are having negative thoughts about yourself, and what could have caused them. Becoming aware of the issue is sometimes a hard step to overcome, but once you are able to identify the problem, you can begin working on it.

Swap Negative Thoughts for Positive Ones

After noticing and identifying the negative thoughts you can begin swapping those with positive ones. Write in a journal or look at yourself in the mirror and say positive things about yourself. Some examples can be “I am strong,” “I am smart,” “I am worthy,” “I am beautiful” — the list is endless!

Start Doing Things You Enjoy

You can also do things you enjoy doing and that you are good at. You can also do things you enjoy but what to get better at. Improving a skill is great for your personal mentality.

Be Around People Who Make You Better

Build relationships with people you look up to. Friends or family around you that have positive mentalities, as they can be great influences on your own mentality.

Be Kind to Yourself

Be kind to yourself while you learn to have a positive self-esteem. It takes time and practice, but you will get it. Take it slow and set a time aside during the day where you can really take time for yourself to lift yourself up. Make taking care of your mental and physical health a habit.

Challenge Yourself

You can try to do something you aren’t very interested in, or you don’t feel that you are good at. Do it once a week or once a day and you will become better. Set goals for yourself.

If you feel that you are still struggling over time, and working on your self-esteem by yourself doesn’t seem to be working, seek professional help. It is important to take care of yourself, and if that requires help that is okay. You can seek out a counselor, or mental health professional in your area, at school, or online.

Contact Michiana Behavioral Health

Located in Plymouth, Indiana, Michiana Behavioral Health offers a therapeutic environment for patients and their families to improve their lives and focus on recovery. Our treatment is built upon clear communication with patients and families so we can provide targeted, personalized care. This level of communication at every stage of treatment ensures that our team remains responsive to each patient’s needs during difficult times.

In addition to mental healthinpatient and  outpatient substance abuse treatment for adults, we also provide programs mental health programs for children & teens. We provide board certified and child-trained psychiatrists and experienced, masters-level clinicians for all treatment programs.

We’re only 35 minutes from South Bend, and within a couple of hours of most major metro cities in the tristate area.

For questions about the programs offered at Michiana Behavioral Health, call 800-795-6252 or use our online contact form.