Self-esteem is how you feel about yourself. When we have healthy self-esteem, we tend to feel positive about ourselves and about life in general. With healthy self-esteem we can deal with life's ups and downs.
When our self-esteem is low, we tend to see ourselves and our life in a more negative and critical light. We also feel less able to take on the challenges that life throws at us. Living with low self-esteem can harm your mental health and lead to problems such as depression and anxiety.
To boost your self-esteem, you need to identify the negative beliefs you have about yourself, then challenge them. Try the following:
Recognise what you're good at.
We're all good at something, whether it's cooking, singing, doing puzzles or being a friend. We also tend to enjoy doing the things we're good at, which can help boost your mood.
Build positive relationships
If you find certain people tend to bring you down, try to spend less time with them, or tell them how you feel about their words or actions.
Try to build relationships with people who are positive and who appreciate you.
Be kind to yourself
Being kind to yourself means being gentle to yourself at times when you feel like being self-critical.
Think what you'd say to a friend in a similar situation. We often give far better advice to others than we do to ourselves.
Give yourself a challenge
We all feel nervous or afraid to do things at times. But people with healthy self-esteem do not let these feelings stop them trying new things or taking on challenges.
Set yourself a goal, such as joining an exercise class or going to a social occasion. Achieving your goals will help to increase your self-esteem.
Where to go for help and advice:
childline.org.uk
youngminds.org.uk