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How to Build Self Esteem

Individuals beginning developing their self esteem at a very early age. How they feel as a child often depends on the type of encouragement and nurturing they get. Children that are encouraged to try their best and to learn from their mistakes have a more positive self esteem outlook than those that are constantly belittled for things. It makes them doubt their own abilities and it squashes their desire to attempt new things for fear of failure.

For teenagers, self esteem can go through a complete transformation. Some feel very strange as their bodies change. They end up not being comfortable with others for a very long time due to this. Others end up being very popular though and they love the attention. This results in them having a very healthy self esteem outlook. As their own image improves it makes others more comfortable around them as well.

It is amazing how many adults suffer from low self esteem. They may have always felt this way or it can be due to something in their life. Losing a job, getting a divorce, or just life in general can result in someone losing some of their self esteem. Many adults are less willing to accept changes as they get older. This can result in them doubting their decisions and having a poor self image.

It can be difficult to build your self esteem but you need to work hard at it. You will build up more confidence as you do. The biggest challenge is to channel your energy into changing your outlook on things. You need to be very positive and look for the good in things. Instead of worrying about what people won't like about you focus on what you do have to offer them. Chances are that what you see as your faults many others don't see in the same way.

Give yourself some well deserved attention. We tend to take care of the needs of our family and let our own go. If you worry about how you look then change what you don't like. Start exercising more if you worry about your overall size. Cut your hair and style it differently if you don't think it makes you attractive. Don't be afraid or guilty about spending some time and money to make yourself look and feel good.

Teens sometimes seem to be alien creatures. They have hormones going in all directions and so many things change for them. Self esteem is a very important issue for teenagers so parents need to address it. The best scenario is to start looking at this with your children from an early age. Always encourage them to see the good qualities in themselves. These should be a combination of physical attributes as well as aspects of their personality that are a quality reflection of who they are.

For teenagers, self esteem often revolves around their physical appearance. This is why they may have a melt down when they have a bad hair day. It is why your son may decide to cancel a date he waited for all week when he sees a pimple forming on his forehead. While adults don't see these things as big issues, for a teenager they are very important.

The self esteem a teenager has is a reflection of how they see themselves. It is important for parents to understand this. For example your child may look very good to you but they feel they are fat. That is the self image they have and it will negatively affect their self esteem. It can result in them withdrawing and it can result in them developing some type of eating disorder.

The way that a teenager's body looks is a great part of their self esteem. This tends to be more of an issue for girls than for boys. If they aren't developing their breasts like the girls around them it can affect their self esteem. Girls that get them too soon or that find them too large can also feel the same way. Boys also go through this so don't think that they don't. They just tend to keep it to themselves more.

Many teenagers can also end up suffering from depression due to poor self esteem. Too many parents don't realize that. Instead they believe their teenager is just moody or that they want to have more time to themselves. Communication is very important at this age and you need to make sure you are willing to listen. This type of depression has also been linked to teenage suicide.

About the Author

Ronen David is the chairman of "Malam" (an Israeli organization supporting and representing those dealing with mental disabilities). He is the author of the "How to Cope With Psychosis & Schizophrenia Self Help Handbook". Visit his web site and learn How To Cope With Psychosis and Schizophrenia

Author Profile: schizo1

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