If you are depressed, anxious, addicted to drugs or alcohol, in a domestic violence relationship or suffering from Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, you may have low self-esteem.  In fact, low self-esteem plays a role in many mental health disorders.  However, you can have low self-esteem without having a specific disorder.

Individuals with low self-esteem lack confidence, have a negative self-image and experience feelings of unworthiness.  Those with low self-esteem may have trouble interacting with others at places like home, work and school and have unhealthy relationships in general.  People with low self-esteem may also lack assertiveness skills, including the ability to make their needs known. 

The good news is that with the right therapeutic tools self-esteem can grow…even from what may appear to be “plain black dirt with lots of weeds.”  And having self-esteem is foundational for good mental health.  Learning to love yourself (and I am not just talking about how you look) is essential to finding joy, meaning and peace in life.  In fact, building self-esteem, as well as getting to the root of whatever is robbing you of it, may be one of the most rewarding endeavors you ever take in life.