Low Self-Esteem
We all have insecurities in life. Right from childhood, we go through different situations which break our hearts. Harsh criticism from authority figures, such as parents or teachers lowers our opinion of ourselves at any point during life. Low self-esteem often has its roots in childhood trauma. Being in a stressful school environment or having overly critical parents can also play a role. Being raised by emotionally distant caregivers or going through childhood trauma, such as parental divorce or sexual abuse can also be contributors. Having trouble keeping up at school, maybe due to a physical or mental disability or feeling less attractive than the others also could be a reason for lowered self-esteem.
There are many people who walk around us with a general feeling of inadequacy and all these past hurts are magnified in their lives to the point that they totally lose their self-esteem. But generally we have enough coping mechanisms to still feel adequate. Those people are less likely to seek out validation from others because they already know they are okay the way they are.
Low self-esteem or inferiority complex in people can include feelings of worthlessness, anxiety or worry, lack of motivation and self-confidence, negative self-talk, struggles with social skills and poor work or school performance. To the outside world, they might appear withdrawn, seeking attention or flattery, acting self-absorbed, nervous or anxious around others and struggling to make friends. Depression can also cause negative thinking and feelings of worthlessness. Many people with anxiety — especially social anxiety disorder — struggle with poor self-esteem. An association between low self-esteem and anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation has been found. Educational stress and emotional abuse by parents or other adults were risk factors for these feelings. Believing that you’re not worthy of love, happiness, and success is more than unhelpful. It’s potentially destructive. Persistent feelings of inferiority can have several negative effects.
- Anxiety and depression.
- Attention problems.
- Suicidal ideation. A lack of will to live is a serious, sometimes fatal effect of low self-esteem.
- Risk of substance misuse. Low self-esteem raises the risk of binge drinking and substance misuse.
- Social isolation. Feelings of inadequacy cause some folks to avoid interacting with other people. This can have devastating effects on your profession, education and closeness with people you love.
If you’re struggling with these feelings of worthlessness, helplessness, or low self-image, talk to a trusted person or elder or a counsellor. Tell them:
- what you’ve been feeling
- how often you feel that way
- whether the feelings are chronic or triggered by certain situations or people
Also, it is important to understand that the person going through this emotional struggle may find it difficult to come out open with their struggles thinking that no-one can understand them and that their feelings are unimportant or worthless. Hence they find it more convenient and comfortable to wear masks which hide their feelings from the outside world, appearing to be distant and self-absorbed.
Access to a trusted and comfortable person who can guide them positively is very crucial at this stage and if that is not available, it can lead to more and more frustration and even fatal steps.
Remember, your inferiority complex may be a sign of underlying depression, anxiety, or another mental health issue. Be open and honest in your talk.
What is Depression?
Depression, is a common mood disorder defined by symptoms of low mood and an inability to feel pleasure (also known as anhedonia). It can also bring about the appearance of a number of detrimental symptoms. These include:
- Deep and unrelenting sadness.
- Hopelessness.
- Loneliness.
- Low self-esteem.
- Trouble concentrating.
- Irritability.
- Self-isolation.
- Sleep disruption.
- Self-harm.
- Suicidal ideation.
Due to its continued effects, depression causes significant repercussions to the individual’s quality of life, negatively influencing central areas of life, such as their family dynamics, function at work, or their friendship circles.
What are the Main Causes of Depression?
Lots of things can increase the chance of depression, including traumatic life events and emotionally abusive caregiving. It is also referred to as psychological abuse and can cause serious damage to a child’s emotional health and development. Emotional abuse is an attempt to control the child, often using emotions as a means of doing so.
How to Prevent Depression?
Depression can stem at any point in life. As a result, learning how to manage the stress points in one’s life—and teaching children how to do so—can have a protective effect against different mental health issues, particularly depression and anxiety.
- Stress management – It refers to the ability to respond to stress-forming situations in a more considered manner, instead of being driven by automatic responses that may add to their distress. Stress is a major contributor to depression. It is not always possible to avoid stress, but taking steps to do so may help. These include:
- getting enough sleep and rest
- learning to say “no” to additional demands
- taking breaks from work
- practicing breathing exercises and prayer
- getting regular exercise
- Lifestyle Changes – Leading a healthy lifestyle is very important, especially in the areas of Nutrition and Exercise.
- Therapy – Talking therapy or Psychotherapy can help people identify the causes of their depression and find practical solutions. Talking to a trusted counsellor or elder is very important at all stages in life.
- Other tips – These include doing breathing or relaxation exercises before sleeping. The 4-7-8 breathing technique [It involves breathing in for 4 seconds, holding the breath for 7 seconds, and exhaling for 8 seconds] can help calm anxiety. Prayer, Bible reading, Fellowship, meditation and involving with family are very important factors and cannot be over-emphasised. Having open conversations which lead to self-expression and internal healing are most essential in a non-threatening and affirmative manner especially from close family members and trusted people.
If symptoms of depression are overwhelming or if a person is thinking about self-harm, death, or suicide, they should seek immediate medical attention.