Some people with low self-esteem talk negatively about themselves, while others go out of their way to make sure that other people are pleased with them.
Low self-esteem may stem from experiences in early childhood. If the person didn’t fit in at school, had difficulty meeting his parents’ expectations or were neglected or abused, this can lead a person to have negative core beliefs about themselves. Difficult or stressful life experiences can often be a factor, such as:
*Being bullied or abused
*Experiencing prejudice, discrimination or stigma, including racism
*Losing job or difficulty finding employment
*Problems at work or while studying
A low self-esteem can reduce the quality of a person’s life in many different ways, including:
*Negative feelings
*Relationship problems
*Fear of trying
*Perfectionism
Low self-esteem is linked to a number of mental health problems including: anxiety, eating disorders, emotional distress, panic disorder, risky behaviors, social anxiety disorder, substance use, stress
Low self-esteem
