We all have doubts; it’s only natural. Whenever we’re facing a tough challenge, we will second guess ourselves. It’s a sign that we want to get it right, and we care about what’s in front of us. Doubting ourselves is actually a self-defense mechanism. It’s our brain asking, ‘Hey, do you really want to do this?’ But if you’re developing low self-esteem from all of this doubting, left unchecked, it can cause undue stress.
Having a low self-esteem could be something as simple as thinking you’re a bad driver, so you worry about taking your driving test. Or it could be something like big, like taking on a new role at work. However, doubts that are unfounded or self-critiques that are beyond reason, can lead to low self-esteem. If you’re constantly thinking badly of yourself, you’re bound to feel down and worthless. It can also be someone else that is picking away at your confidence. Left unchecked, low self-esteem can lead to very unhealthy mental issues.
Body image can lead to low self-esteem
What’s going on now in society isn’t that new, but it’s certainly gone to a higher level than ever before. Body image is a serious concern for many women and also men. Not liking the way you look, being shy to wear clothes that you would really like to is all too common among women with body image issues.
Low self-confidence is one thing, but anxiety is a very different issue. Anxiety is something that makes you believe other people are passing judgments on how you look. It’s believing that the worst might happen, such as being publicly humiliated because of how you look.
However, we have to understand where these modern “standards” come from. A lot of the time it’s from runway models and magazine covers that depict beautiful women. However, Victoria’s Secret models are purposefully thin and not a realistic image of what a woman’s body should look like. Remember the source. Look at the women you see everyday. These are real women with real bodies. Even the most beautiful models are air-brushed and many have low self-esteem.
Unhealthy coping
Usually, when we’re down in the dumps and feel that our low self-esteem problems are too large to overcome, we often turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms. These can be things like alcohol, binge eating and even drugs. When you find yourself unable to control these unhealthy coping mechanisms, you need to get help.
A great place to turn for help is at a women’s drug rehab program where they will not only treat you physically but mentally as well. It’s specifically for women since you may find it easier to talk to someone who is the same gender as you are. Maybe you have some concerns that are more specific to your femininity, so being able to talk to other women going through the same thing and being treated by fellow women could be very beneficial.
Becoming an introvert
When you have low self-esteem, you may find that you don’t want to talk to anyone. Slowly but surely you begin to stay more to yourself and become an introvert. If you want to speak with more people and gain friends, you have to tackle your own insecurities and be willing to be more open.
Self-esteem is a major topic in modern society, especially when it comes to body image for women. You should examine where your beauty standards are coming from. Don’t get them from the cover of a magazine!
Leave a Reply