Self-esteem is the way you see yourself, also known as ‘self-perception’. Good self-esteem means:
Poor self-esteem is the opposite. Characteristics of poor self-esteem include:
This isn’t a healthy attitude and it can affect your life in other ways if it gets out of hand.
Good self-esteem can help you in loads of ways. By being kind to yourself (and this is a really important idea) you are more likely to put yourself out there and go for the things you really want in life – like applying for that job in your local supermarket or trying out for a spot on a sports team.
Start small. Pay attention to how you talk to yourself in your head. Are you putting yourself down? Calling yourself out for things? Turn down the dial on that negative voice and amplify the good things!
Remember (and accept!) the compliments you receive. Register your achievements, no matter how small. Treat yourself. Keep track of your awesomeness. If you catch sight of yourself in a mirror, really notice your best features (like “I really like my cheeky smile” or “That shirt really suits me!’). Every bit helps.
If you’re finding it hard to be kind to yourself and you’re really down, you might want to consider talking to someone about it.
Talk to your school counsellor about how you’re feeling. If you don’t know who the counsellor is at your school, consult a teacher about getting help. They will be able to refer you to the right staff member.
Talk to your local doctor about the way you are feeling. They will be able to refer you to a specialist doctor in this field. Read Going to the doctor for more advice.
Contact a mental health organisation like beyond blue, Kids Helpline or headspace. Each of these organisations have help phone lines and chat rooms with trained professionals waiting to help.
