The Relationship Between Mental Health And Self-Esteem

Simply put, self-esteem determines how we perceive ourselves and how confident we are in our abilities. Self-esteem is typically based on our thoughts and beliefs about ourselves, making it difficult to change. Self-esteem significantly impacts how we approach life and interact with others, so it is an essential component of mental health and overall well-being. A positive view of ourselves can increase confidence and motivation, while low self-esteem can lead to a variety of mental health issues. Thus, it is crucial to understand the relationship between self-esteem and mental health

In this article, we will understand the connection between mental health and self-esteem in depth while also looking at a few ways to overcome low self-esteem

How are Self-Esteem And Mental Health Linked?

As mentioned earlier, self-esteem is an integral part of mental health, affecting our well-being in various ways, such as:

• Increased Risk of Mental Health Issues

Low self-esteem is often associated with mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. Not only that, research studies have also found a correlation between low self-esteem and self-harming tendencies.

A study conducted in 2019 on Vietnamese students reported that students with low self-esteem were at an increased risk of anxiety, depression and even suicidal ideation. They also found that high academic stress and physical and emotional abuse from parents were associated with low self-esteem. 

Sometimes, people with low self-esteem may also turn to substances such as alcohol or drugs to cope with negative thoughts and uncomfortable emotions. While these may offer temporary relief, substance abuse worsens mental health in the long run.

• Poor Social Life

Low self-esteem can often lead to social isolation. This is because people with low self-esteem are likely to avoid social situations due to a fear of judgement. This lack of social interaction can further lead to loneliness, further reducing self-esteem.

• Fear of Failure

Low self-esteem can also lead to a fear of failure, where people constantly doubt their abilities. This can lead them to avoid taking on new challenges and opportunities. This can turn into a vicious cycle where a person avoids challenges because of self-doubt, which worsens the self-doubt further. Over time, this self-doubt can contribute to negative thoughts, worsening mental health.

• Reduced Quality of Life

Since low self-esteem impacts almost all areas of life, including work, relationships, etc., people with low self-esteem are often likely to struggle with feelings of dissatisfaction regarding their overall quality of life. 

• Impact on Physical Health

Our mind and bodies are interlinked. Thus, poor mental health and self-esteem can hurt physical health as well. Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression increase the risk of health issues, including high blood pressure, weakened immunity, and sleep problems.

How To Improve Self-Esteem?

There are many ways people can work towards improving their self-esteem, such as:

• Become aware of how low self-esteem might be impacting your life by keeping track of your thoughts and feelings through journaling
• Practice positive affirmations on an everyday basis to challenge negative self-talk that contributes to low self-esteem.
• Practice acknowledging your good qualities and achievements. Focusing on your achievements and skills can gradually improve self-esteem and reduce self-doubt.
• Seek support from friends and family members who can help you recognize your strengths. Sharing your strengths with supportive people can reduce feelings of loneliness.
• Practice self-compassion, the act of treating yourself with kindness, especially during difficult times. Being kind to yourself can reduce feelings of shame
• Dealing with low self-esteem can often be overwhelming, especially if you are doing it on your own. So, consider seeking support from a trained therapist. A therapist can help you explore the root cause of low self-esteem while also providing you with strategies to overcome the same.

Conclusion:

In summary, self-esteem shares a significant yet complex relationship with mental health, impacting many areas of life, including work, relationships and physical health. While low self-esteem is linked with various mental health issues, there are strategies one can use to develop a positive view of themselves. By developing self-awareness, cultivating positive self-talk and seeking support, you can move towards improved self-esteem and a better quality of life.

References:

1. Henriksen, I. O., Ranøyen, I., Indredavik, M. S., & Stenseng, F. (2017). The role of self-esteem in the development of psychiatric problems: A three-year prospective study in a clinical sample of adolescents. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health, 11, 68. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13034-017-0207-y
2. Self‐esteem and its relationship with depression and anxiety in adults with intellectual disabilities: A systematic literature review—Lee—2023—Journal of Intellectual Disability Research—Wiley Online Library. (n.d.). Retrieved January 20, 2025, from https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jir.13025
3. Self-esteem in a broad-spectrum approach for mental health promotion | Health Education Research | Oxford Academic. (n.d.). Retrieved January 20, 2025, from https://academic.oup.com/her/article-abstract/19/4/357/560320?redirectedFrom=fulltext
4. What is self-esteem? (n.d.). Retrieved January 20, 2025, from https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/self-esteem/about-self-esteem/