What is self-esteem?
Self-esteem is how you think and feel about yourself. Not just how you look, but how confident you feel in who you are. When it is low, everything feels harder: decisions, friendships, college work, putting yourself forward.
Most people struggle with self-esteem at some point. It can be affected by:
- Bullying or difficult experiences
- Social media
- Exam pressure
- How people around you treat you
- Difficult experiences at home
- Physical or mental health
- Feeling like you need to look or act a certain way
What can help
Contact our Therapy Service at therapyservice@atomix.ac.uk for a drop-in or to arrange weekly sessions.
- Challenge the voice in your head. If you would not say it to a friend, do not say it to yourself. Practise noticing when you are being self-critical and reframing.
- Focus on what went right. Try writing down one or two things each day that you are proud of or grateful for. Small things count.
- Do something just for fun. Not to be the best at it. Not for anyone else. Just because you enjoy it.
- Choose who you spend time with. Notice who makes you feel good about yourself, and spend more time with them. Notice who does not, and set boundaries.
For parents and carers: Young Minds guide to supporting your child with self-esteem.