Understanding Self-Esteem: How It Shapes Our Mental Health and Strengthen It

With February being International Self-Esteem Month and the month of love, I thought it would be a meaningful time to talk about self-esteem. February encourages us to focus on self-care and self-worth. Self-esteem plays an important role in our mental health; it influences how we see ourselves, how we interact with others, and how we cope with challenges. It is not simply “confidence,” it is much deeper than we often realize.

Self-Esteem

Self-esteem is the way we perceive ourselves. It includes our sense of personal worth and value, belonging, security, and self-confidence. It shapes the inner voice we hear when we make mistakes, experience stress, face rejection, or encounter unpleasant outcomes. Healthy self-esteem allows us to feel worthy regardless of the outcome. It includes the ability to acknowledge both strengths and limitations, while maintaining flexibility and accountability.

Low or High Self-esteem

Low self-esteem negatively affects the way we view ourselves. When self-esteem is low, individuals may struggle to feel good about themselves internally and externally, think negatively about their lives, lack confidence in their decision-making, or hold the belief that they are “not enough.”

On the other hand, unhealthy high self-esteem can mask insecurities. It may present as perfectionism, defensiveness, or a need to appear superior to others. This can sometimes be perceived as arrogance and may lead to misunderstandings. Whether self-esteem is low or unhealthy in its expression, these patterns, when reinforced over time, can significantly impact mental health.

How Self-Esteem Can Affect Our Mental Health

Low self-esteem can negatively affect mental health in many ways. It may show up as internalizing criticism deeply, difficulty setting boundaries, symptoms of anxiety or depression, or avoiding new experiences due to fear of failure. When someone persistently struggles with low self-worth, they may experience emotional dysregulation, increased vulnerability to stress, and difficulty utilizing coping skills.

In contrast, a healthy level of self-esteem helps individuals feel more equipped to navigate challenges, maintain healthy relationships, and seek support when needed. Ultimately, the way we view ourselves can either limit our growth or help us move forward.

Strengthening self-esteem

Self-esteem is not fixed, and understanding it can help strengthen it. Strengthening self-esteem may include challenging the negative inner voice, practicing daily self-kindness, setting and honoring boundaries, seeking support, and identifying personal values, then choosing actions that align with them.

Simple Actions That Help Promote Self-Esteem

• Going for a walk in your neighborhood if it is safe.

• Moving your body.

• Tidying up a bit.

• Reconnecting with your culture through art and food

• Reading a book

• Watching a TED Talk

• Attending a therapy session

Surrounding yourself with people who align with your values and uplift you is also an important part of self-care. Strengthening self-esteem is about caring for ourselves and our mental health.

Download a free self-esteem worksheet designed to help you gently reframe self-doubt and reconnect with your worth.