Self-Esteem and Self-Image

Why do I have low self-esteem?

Low self-esteem generally is founded in our childhood:

* High levels of criticism from your parent or caregiver
* Receiving minimal affection, support or respect *Being constantly teased, picked on, or laughed at
* Receiving overly strict, cruel, or age-inappropriate punishment
* Being ridiculed for your ideas, grades or talents
* Being shamed when alone or in front of others
* Being neglected when parents are too busy or emotionally unavailable
* Having your feeling ignored and discounted
* Being negatively compared to siblings or other children
* Being threatened with abandonment
* Being abandoned and/or unwanted
* Not being allowed to participate in school activities, play with neighbors and friends, or do normal things other kids do.
* Being blamed for the parent's problems
* Being told "You were a mistake!"
* Not being taught appropriate social skills
* Not being encouraged in school and other personal endeavors
* Being ill as a child and unable to participate in normal activities

Self-esteem and self-image have many over lapping features. Self-image focuses more on how we see ourselves or more specifically our bodies. Some examples of causation include:

* Being the victim of verbal, physical, sexual, or emotional abuse

*Criticized for your weight or appearance

*Unfavorable comparisons to another family member or an absent parent

Low self-esteem and poor self-image can be the underlying cause of anxiety, eating disorders, depression, addictive behaviors, domestic violence, sexual acting out and gang affiliation. When addressing low self-esteem or poor self-image it is important to address the symptoms and the core issues. We can help with that or talk to a local therapist about getting underneath the symptoms and truly changing and improving your life.

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