Self-Esteem

Self-esteem is your own opinion of yourself, your feeling about your ability to cope with life's challenges and whether or not you deserve to be happy.

We can also define self-esteem as that which refers to the level of respect you have for yourself, for who you are and your value as a person, and how you think others see you.

Now that we have a clear definition of self-esteem, let's looks into the details of what it's all about.

The Foundation of Self-Esteem

While you can build self-esteem during any period of your life, some say its foundation is often built during the early years when your "ego" is still in development.

In fact, one very important issue parents should pay close attention to while their young children are growing up is how to help them build self-confidence, improve their self-image and boost their feelings of self-worth.

Is Self-Esteem a Matter of Chance?

Some experts in the field of psychology believe that self esteem is a matter of chance.

These psychologists say that some children are born with high self-esteem, while others do need help to improve it.

Some even say that parents who have high self esteem will most likely have children who also have high self-esteem.

You can't say with certainty, though, that self-esteem is a matter of having the right genes or is based on a "gene lottery". You can't say that what you were born with will remain with you throughout your lifetime.

Self-esteem and Depression

Before you begin to consider any activity to help raise your self esteem, note that low self-esteem may be a symptom of depression.

Ask yourself...

Did you feel sad consistently for a number of weeks but don't know exactly why you feel that way?

Is your sadness accompanied by other changes, like having no appetite or else wanting to eat all the time, wanting to sleep all the time, or waking up very early in the morning and not being able to get back to sleep?

If your answer is "yes" to either question, you need to do two things:

• see your doctor so you'll know the cause of your depression and to discuss treatment choices
• do something that will help you to feel better right away, like eating well, getting plenty of exercise and outdoor light, spending time with supportive friends, and doing fun things like going to a movie, playing a musical instrument, painting, or reading a good book.

Factors that Affect Self-Esteem

There are many factors that may affect your self-esteem.

Parents, for one, have a big role to play in their children's self-image. How they treat their children will help determine how their kids treat themselves when they grow up and how they let others treat them.

Your environment and personal experiences also play a role in its development.

Who Are Your Friends?

Social group experiences are very important in the development of self-esteem in teens. Positive experiences will increase their self-esteem, but negative experiences will tend to decrease it.

The friends you have is another factor, especially if you're a teen. Friends who nurture you and who are positive influences will help raise your self esteem, while those who put you down will produce the opposite effect.

That is why it is important for you to choose the group you are with. Surround yourself with people who appreciate and affirm your talents and skills, who believe in you, and who will help raise your self-confidence.

What Are You Doing?

The type of activities you get involved in and the things you do is another important factor that will help increase your self-esteem.

Do things you love to do. If you really love what you do, you become enthusiastic and will do your best. This can lead to unique achievements and accomplishments, which in turn will help increase your self-esteem.

Trust yourself enough to do your work well, and you actually will do the work well. This leads to a helpful, positive cycle that will help boost self-confidence.

• Self-Esteem: Children and Teens
• How To Build Self-Esteem
• Self-Esteem Activities