Get help from others
People with low self esteem often get wrapped up in what others think of them. This means they don't ask for help. They feel they don't deserve it. They think they have to deal with it on their own.
Others may have felt the same way once. It might be the case that what you think is going on and what they think is totally different. You will not know until you ask.
- Pick someone who you trust to talk to about things.
- Think of whose opinion you really value. Who really matters?
- Ask family and friends to tell you what they like about you and what you are good at. You might not even have picked up on these things yourself!
- Some people might find it less scary to work through the questions and tasks in this booklet with someone they trust. Do this to start off with. Then give it a go on your own.
If you are a friend, or relative of a person with low self esteem:
- Try and listen.
- Remind the person of what people like about them, and what they like about themselves.
- It can be easy to let the person avoid things. Remind them it will not do them much good in the long term.
- Their lack of confidence could upset or annoy you. Think back to the last time you doubted yourself. The person you care for has this feeling a lot of the time. Try to understand that building up their self esteem may take a while.
- Encourage them to fight the negative thoughts.
- Praise them when things go well.
