Self-Esteem and Self-Acceptance
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14
Low self-esteem is not classified as a mental health condition in and of itself. However, it does impact many aspects of our daily lives and therefore is an appropriate area of care when seeking counseling services. Clear connections have been identified between how we feel about ourselves and our mental and emotional well-being. We are described as having healthy self-esteem when we hold positive beliefs, such as, “I’m a good person,” or when we possess good qualities. People with healthy self-esteem often lead happy and successful lives. When low self-esteem is present, however, negative feelings can bring about a sense of worthlessness leading to an absence of happiness. This is where low self-esteem and mental health concerns can collide. Because low self-esteem impacts quality of life it can lead to mental health conditions such as addiction, anxiety, and depression.
Low self-esteem or self-worth can show up in many areas of our lives:
- Our appearance
- Our physical abilities
- Our relationships (or lack thereof)
- Our practical skills (can you fix a toilet that’s running?)
- Our earning potential
- Our children’s behavior
Low self-esteem can originate from many places and throughout life. Low self-esteem may begin in childhood with disapproval or disadvantage that becomes part of an individual’s story. Environment can also have great impact on one’s self esteem. If we do not have the opportunity to develop skills, we are less likely to do the things that tend to result in positive self-esteem. Relationships and personality also have an impact on the level of self-esteem maintained by an individual.
Good news – help is available! If you find yourself lacking a healthy level of self-esteem or desire support in developing self-acceptance, Envision Counseling Clinic has counselors who are trained to help you grow into the person you desire. Studies have shown understanding the reasoning behind your thoughts can prove beneficial in changing the feelings you have about yourself. Understanding thought patterns, adjusting negative behaviors to positive behaviors, and creating new healthy habits all come together to create a foundation for increased self-esteem.
Take the step, call and make an appointment with one of our counselors who specialize in helping to increase self-esteem, and in turn, watch how life shifts when you come to realize how wonderfully you were created.
Give us a call: 720-935-2663 or contact us to setup your first appointment.