Self-esteem refers to the overall opinion you hold about yourself, including how much you value and respect yourself as a person. When self-esteem is healthy, you generally feel capable, worthy, and able to handle life's challenges. When self-esteem is low, your internal narrative becomes dominated by self-criticism, doubt, and feelings of inadequacy.

Common signs of low self-esteem include:

• Persistent self-criticism. You regularly call yourself negative names or dwell on past mistakes long after they have occurred.
• Difficulty accepting compliments. When someone praises you, you dismiss it, assume they are being polite, or feel uncomfortable.
• Social comparison. You frequently measure yourself against others and almost always conclude that you fall short.
• Fear of failure. You avoid new challenges, opportunities, or social situations because you expect to perform poorly.
• People-pleasing. You say yes to requests even when they conflict with your own needs because you fear rejection or disapproval.
• Sensitivity to criticism. Even mild or constructive feedback can feel devastating and may replay in your mind for days.
• Negative body image. You feel dissatisfied with your appearance and believe others judge you for it.
• Withdrawal. You pull back from social activities, hobbies, or goals because you feel you do not deserve enjoyment or success.

Low self-esteem is not a formal psychiatric diagnosis, but it is a significant psychological factor that appears across many mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder. It can affect people of any age, gender, or background.

Low self-esteem typically develops over time. It is shaped by early life experiences such as overly critical parenting, bullying, academic difficulties, or neglect. Later in life, events like relationship breakdowns, job loss, chronic illness, or experiences of discrimination can reinforce or trigger negative self-beliefs.

At its core, low self-esteem involves deeply held beliefs about oneself, sometimes called core beliefs. These might sound like "I am not good enough," "I am unlovable," or "I always fail." Because these beliefs feel like facts rather than opinions, they can be very hard to change without structured help.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most widely supported approaches for low self-esteem. In CBT, a therapist helps you identify automatic negative thoughts, examine the evidence for and against them, and develop more realistic and balanced ways of thinking about yourself. A specific protocol known as CBT for low self-esteem targets core beliefs directly and has shown strong results in clinical trials.

Compassion-focused therapy (CFT) is another evidence-based approach. It is especially helpful for people whose inner critic is intense and punishing. CFT teaches skills for relating to yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would extend to a close friend.

Beyond formal therapy, several everyday practices support healthier self-esteem:

• Keeping a daily record of small accomplishments or positive experiences.
• Setting achievable goals and acknowledging progress rather than waiting for perfection.
• Limiting social media consumption that triggers comparison.
• Building relationships with people who treat you with respect and encouragement.
• Engaging in physical activity, which has been shown to improve both mood and body image.

If low self-esteem is co-occurring with depression, anxiety, or another mental health condition, treating the broader condition often leads to improvements in self-esteem as well.

Occasional self-doubt is a normal human experience. It becomes a problem when negative self-beliefs are persistent, pervasive across many areas of your life, and powerful enough to influence your behavior and mood on a daily basis.

You should consider seeking professional help if:

• You find it hard to make decisions because you do not trust your own judgment.
• You consistently avoid opportunities for growth, relationships, or enjoyment because you feel undeserving.
• Your inner self-talk is predominantly harsh, critical, or punishing.
• You notice symptoms of depression (persistent sadness, loss of interest, fatigue) or anxiety (excessive worry, restlessness, avoidance) alongside low self-esteem.
• You have thoughts of self-harm or suicide. If this is the case, please contact a crisis service immediately.

A licensed psychologist, counselor, or psychotherapist can conduct a thorough assessment and recommend a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. Many people see meaningful improvement within a few months of consistent therapy.

For more information about self-esteem and related mental health concerns, consult these trusted resources:

• American Psychological Association: Self-Esteem
• NHS: Raising Low Self-Esteem
• National Institute of Mental Health: Find Help