What Are The Causes Of Low Self-Esteem?
Before we dive into the causes of low self-esteem, let’s take a look at what self-esteem actually is…and isn’t
When we say that someone has healthy self-esteem, it means that they generally regard themselves as worthy, lovable, valuable human beings. It doesn’t mean they’re arrogant or full of themselves. They just feel good in their own skin and have a general sense that they have a right to ‘just be’ in the world.
When someone has low self-esteem, they generally feel the opposite. They don’t feel good about themselves. Maybe they feel like there’s something fundamentally wrong with them or that they’re somehow broken or flawed.
So why does one person have lower or higher self-esteem than another? Some of it has to do with our perceptions and beliefs about our basic value.
But I contend that low self-esteem is just a temporary forgetting of our true nature–the fact that we are whole, complete, worthy, and valuable beings just as we are. This forgetfulness is often the result of negative experiences or messages that we’ve internalized over the course of our lives.
Here are some of the most common causes of that forgetfulness.
The Causes of Low Self-Esteem
- Trauma and Abuse: Victims of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse may experience low self-esteem, often struggling with feelings of worthlessness and a pervasive sense of being flawed.
- Childhood Experiences: Our formative years can significantly impact our self-esteem. Harsh criticism, neglect, or punishment from caregivers can leave lasting impressions and cause people to feel unworthy or incapable.
- Poor Academic or Work Performance: Struggling in school or work can lead to low self-esteem, especially if people are not supported or encouraged adequately.
- Societal Pressure and Cultural Norms: Society and culture can impose certain artificial standards and norms. Deviating from these expectations or norms can result in feelings of inadequacy and lower self-esteem.
- Chronic Illness or Disability: Long-term health issues or disabilities may cause individuals to feel different or less capable than others, affecting their self-esteem.
The Effects of Low Self-Esteem
Low self-esteem does more than dampen your spirits. It can create a cascade of negative impacts on your overall well-being and happiness.
- Mental Health Issues: Low self-esteem is often linked with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.
- Interpersonal Relationship Struggles: People with low self-esteem may find it hard to assert their needs and boundaries in relationships, leading to unhealthy dynamics.
- Impaired Academic and Job Performance: Low self-esteem can hinder one’s ability to perform academically or professionally, creating a vicious cycle of failure and further lowering self-esteem.
- Inhibits Personal Growth: When you don’t believe in your worth or capabilities, you are less likely to take risks or pursue opportunities that could lead to personal growth.
How To Boost Your Self-Esteem
While low self-esteem can feel like a life sentence, it’s not. Here are three suggestions for fostering a more positive self-view:
- Practice Self-Compassion: As I often say, be kind and gentle with yourself. Accept that everyone makes mistakes and has flaws, and it doesn’t make you any less worthy. You are human, after all.
- Challenge Negative Thoughts: Negative self-talk can be a significant contributor to low self-esteem. By challenging these thoughts, you can shift your perspective and start to see yourself in a more positive light.
- Seek Professional Help: Working with a therapist, hypnotherapist, or even a spiritual life coach can help you delve deep into your subconscious, address root causes of low self-esteem, and instigate profound change. This kind of holistic therapy integrates the spiritual and personal aspects of the self, promoting overall well-being, inner peace, and an improved sense of self-worth.
Low self-esteem can feel like a heavyweight. But change is possible! With understanding, patience, and a little bit of self-love, you can begin to lift the clouds of forgetfulness and remember who you truly are: a pure being who is now–and always has been–worthy, lovable, and valuable just as you are.
If you would like to explore how hypnosis can help you tap into your natural confidence and awaken to your True Nature, schedule a free strategy-coaching session today!
