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Low Self-Esteem
Low self-esteem means having a poor opinion of yourself, which can affect confidence, relationships and mood. It can be improved with support and by changing unhelpful thinking patterns.
Causes & risk factors
- Critical or difficult experiences, especially in childhood
- Bullying or ongoing criticism
- Stressful life events or failures
- Depression or anxiety
- Comparing yourself with others, including on social media
Common symptoms
- Being very self-critical
- Difficulty accepting compliments
- Avoiding challenges or new things
- Feeling not good enough
- Low mood and anxiety
- Difficulty setting boundaries
Tests & diagnosis
- Usually none — this is about support
- Assessment if depression or anxiety is present
Treatment & management
- Talking therapy such as cognitive behavioural therapy
- Challenging unhelpful, self-critical thoughts
- Setting small, achievable goals to build confidence
- Practising self-compassion and self-care
- Reducing unhelpful comparisons and social media
When to see a doctor urgently
- Thoughts of harming yourself — get help immediately: contact a crisis line or call your local emergency number now
- Low self-esteem linked to persistent low mood or anxiety
- Self-esteem issues affecting work, study or relationships
- Feeling stuck despite trying to improve things yourself
Frequently asked questions
Can low self-esteem be improved?
Yes. Self-esteem can grow with practice and support. Therapy, especially CBT, helps you notice and change self-critical thinking, build confidence through small steps, and treat yourself more kindly.
Is low self-esteem the same as depression?
They are linked but different. Low self-esteem is a negative view of yourself; depression is a persistent low mood affecting many areas of life. Low self-esteem can contribute to depression, and both can be helped.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.