Self-esteem is a subjective appraisal of how much we think we are worth. It is a product of both nature and nurture: of our natural strengths and weaknesses, as well as our interactions with family and the social conditions.

People with high levels of self-esteem like themselves and are more likely to achieve their full potential. That doesn’t mean they don’t have bad days every once in the while; however, individuals with low self-esteem are constantly self-critical, compare their lives to others’, and feel like a failure. This can lead to persistent negative emotions (like sadness, fear, or anger), anxiety and stress. Additionally, it can impact personal relationships and professional development.

If you are unsure of whether you are struggling with self-esteem, there are many tools that can help you figure it out, including this self-assessment test. You can also reach out to your doctor for personalized advice or if your feelings are leading to depression.

In short, yes! We have it in ourselves to make changes for the better, sometimes we just need some guidance. Some people are comfortable managing by themselves through self-guided resources, such as books and online courses. Others, find better results from professional medical assistance, either by itself or in combination with self-guided materials.

Luckily, there are many available options, depending on your needs and preferences.

Classes, courses and workshops
Educational resources to build self-esteem are offered by academic institutions, self-learning websites, and specialized platforms. The classes are usually taught by subject matter experts, such as psychologists and therapists.

The many choices mean there is something for everybody: from those who prefer to attend in person and interact with a group, to those who will rather learn at their own pace from the comfort of their homes. You can find out more about our own group offering here.

Therapy
There are many therapeutic approaches out there, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based therapy (MBT) or art therapy. You may even access curated programs that combine these science-based approaches with experts’ practical experience.

Therapy entails regular sessions with a specialist. The number of sessions depends on every case, so this option requires more financial flexibility than courses. Wait times for an appointment are also a common consideration when it comes to therapy.

Medication
In some cases, therapy may be paired up with medication if your assigned specialist deems it necessary. This will depend on their assessment of your case and your particular needs. In some countries, regulations only allow psychiatrists to prescribe this type of treatment.

Whichever of these options you choose, you’ve already taken a big step by deciding to work on your sense of self-worth. Great self-esteem is not a destination, but rather, a journey. Remember that you are not meant to be perfect, but just to be you. Through your self-esteem journey, you will get to explore your own thoughts, emotions, and beliefs, and get to know yourself.

Ready to take one step further? We offer an integrated therapy-like experience directly to your smartphone or laptop.. all of the benefits with none of the hassle! Find out more about our self-esteem program.