SELF ESTEEM
Self esteem is an individuals subjective evaluation of their own worth. We all have times when we lack confidence and don't feel good about ourselves, but when it becomes a long term problem it can have a harmful affect on the body.
When our self esteem is low we tend to see ourselves and our life in a more negative and critical light and are less able to take on the challenges in our lives. Self esteem influences our choices and decisions and it is important for a fulfilling and healthy life .
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Low self esteem often begins in childhood. Teachers , parents, siblings, friends and the media can all send positive and negative messages about ourselves. Negative messages often stick especially if the recipient hears a similar message three times or more and difficult events and illness and bereavement can play a part. Also personality traits, such as being prone to negative thinking and setting impossible high standards for oneself, can also contribute to low self esteem.
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People with low self esteem may hide away from social situations and avoid challenges to make them feel safe. This avoidance only reinforces feelings of doubts and fear.
Smoking and drinking can also be habits used to help cope .
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Characteristics of people with low self esteem include:
Feeling depressed or sad, low mood, feeling inadequate, anxiety, comparing oneself negatively to others
Neglecting own emotional needs, difficulty accepting compliments, sensitivity to criticism, hostility, fatigue, insomnia and headache ,and preoccupation with personal problems.
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Hypnotherapy can help with this by identifying negative self talk and challenging your perceptions. Through a hypnosis session we find the root causes of the low self esteem and analyse and deal with negative beliefs that have been formed.
