Confidence in one's value as a human being is a precious psychological resource and generally a highly positive factor in life; it is correlated with achievement, good relationships, and satisfaction. Possessing little self-regard can lead people to become depressed , to fall short of their potential, or to tolerate abusive relationships and situations.
What Is Self-Esteem? (Plain Language Explanation)
Self-Esteem refers to a pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that many people experience. While it can be challenging, it's also well-understood and treatable.
Key Terms to Know About Self-Esteem
- Symptoms: The specific ways self-esteem shows up for you
- Triggers: Situations or thoughts that activate or worsen self-esteem
- Evidence-based: Treatments backed by scientific research
- Comorbidity: When self-esteem occurs alongside other conditions
3 Things Most People Don't Know About Self-Esteem
- Self-Esteem is far more common than most people realize
- Self-Esteem is not caused by weakness — it has identifiable biological and psychological causes
- Most people with self-esteem see significant improvement with the right support
Your Next Steps
Learning about self-esteem is just the beginning. If you think you're experiencing self-esteem, speaking with a mental health professional is the most valuable next step.