Self-esteem refers to the overall opinion we have of ourselves, how we judge or evaluate ourselves, and the value we attach to ourselves as people.
Self-esteem is shaped by experiences in the family, at school, from friendships and the wider society. The way we see ourselves has a huge impact on our thoughts and feelings and how we live our lives.
Having self-esteem may include:
Low self-esteem is having a generally negative overall opinion of oneself, judging or evaluating oneself negatively, and placing a general negative value on oneself as a person.
People with low self-esteem usually have deep seated negative beliefs about themselves. These beliefs are often, and wrongly, taken as facts or basic truths about their identity and can have a negative impact on a person and their life.
How does low self-esteem develop?
The roots are often in early life experiences:
While the roots of low self-esteem are often in early experiences and formative relationships in childhood and adolescence, people with a fair amount of confidence can develop low self-esteem when they experience prolonged difficulties and continuously stressful life events.
Low self-esteem can also be a symptom of depression along with feeling guilty and worthless.