Self-esteem is an important concept that is simply not talked about enough. While essentially it refers to one’s own perception and worth of themselves, however, it is a complex concept.
Self-esteem may refer to how you evaluate yourself, but this evaluation is conditioned by your environment, your nurturing, your upbringing.
When you have been constantly conditioned to undervalue and hate yourself, are not respected, are not given the right care, your perception of yourself is put in to peril. Many people then succumb to the dangerous state of low self-esteem.
Dangers of low self-esteem
How you value yourself has a grave impact on your mental health. Those suffering from low self-esteem are more likely to have stress, anxiety, and even depression, meriting a visit to the Best Psychiatrist in Lahore.
Low self-esteem is also closely related to other mental health problems like eating disorders, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, substance abuse, stress, emotion distress etc.
People suffering from poor self-image are also more likely to be manipulated by the cunning lot around them. Since they have problems with boundaries, they are more likely to suffer from emotional abuse, at times, unbeknownst to them even. They are also more prone to unhealthy relationships and are more likely to be controlled by others around them.
Therefore, it is vital that you work on improving your self-esteem to a healthy level.
Ways to improve self-esteem
Be nicer to yourself
You are kind to others. Do not insult them. Are in awe of their beauty. Yet, you treat yourself with anything but love.
It is hence vital for you to realize that you need to give yourself the same respect and love that you give others. Be kinder to yourself and stop beating yourself about everything.
Treat yourself gently. Actively reject the thoughts of self-hate, and counter them to produce a more pleasant emotion for yourself.
Learn to love yourself
Loving yourself will not make you a narcissist. In healthy proportions, self-love is vital for your self-esteem to improve as well.
So, take care of yourself. Pay attention to your body; eat well, sleep at time, exercise and do not exhaust yourself. Then, accept your imperfections and flaws. Make peace with them but at the same time, recognize your strengths as well. Celebrate them so that you feel worthy of love.
Forgive yourself for to heal; we all have situations that fill us with regret, remorse, guilt, unhappiness. We all have days when we are not proud of our conduct. However, if we continue to indulge in self- flagellation, we are going to get nowhere except falling into abyss. Use these moments for learning, and growth rather than help hate.
Practice gratitude
Being cognizant of our privilege is also a good way for us to realize our worth. We often take things for granted, whether it be healthy bodies or peace and luxuries around us. Once we start to acknowledge our privilege, what we have instead of fixating on what we lack, we also start to make peace with ourselves.
Decide to change
No one can help you unless you yourself are willing to work on yourself. Therefore, it is vital that you accept your self-esteem problem and decide to change it. One way is by looking at the harm your low self-esteem is doing, but also recognize the benefits of having healthy self-image. This will then motivate you in making the much-needed change.
Seek help
You did not wake up one day hating yourself. There were factors at play that shaped your subjectivities so.
It is therefore vital for you to visit a mental health expert like Best Psychiatrist in Karachi who can give you perspective about why you may be feeling not valued, and will also help you cope and improve your mental health condition.
