Self-Esteem

Health

Miss Kilker

What is Self-Esteem?

Self-Esteem: is a measure of how much you value, respect, and feel confident about yourself.

Benefits of High Self-Esteem

1. Increased Respect:Respect themselves

Take care of themselves

Respect their personal values, as well as the values of others

They will not pressure others to participate in risky behavior

2. Increased ability to reach goals:

You’re more likely to set realistic goals for yourself

More likely to stick with your goals

More likely to achieve their goals due to effort

Benefits of High Self-Esteem Continued

3. Increased willingness to try:

Have the will to try new things

Don’t get discouraged easily

4. Increased feelings of value:

Feel they are valuable to family, school, and the community

More likely to ask for help when needed

More likely to volunteer and help others

Risks of Low Self-Esteem

Vulnerable to peer pressureLack of respect for self and othersMakes risky behavior decisionsMore at risk for depression and suicideOften have poor mental healthMore critical of themselves and others

PEOPLE WITH LOW SELF-ESTEEM DO NOT HAVE TO

EXPERIENCE THE RISKS OF LOW SELF-ESTEEM!

EVERYONE HAS THE POWER TO CHOOSE HEALTHY BEHAVIORS

THAT SHOW RESPECT FOR OTHERS AND THEMSELVES!

Characteristics ofHigh vs. Low

High Self-Esteem:Speaks up for self

Respects self and others

Has confidence

Tries new things

Feels valuable to society

Adjusts to change

Feels optimistic

Makes decisions based on values

Low Self-Esteem:Feels insecure

Disrespects self and others

Vulnerable to peer pressure

Doesn’t feel valuable

Feels depressed

Fears failure

Uses drugs and alcohol

Feels pessimistic

Behaves destructively

Interpreting Messages From Others – Is it really me?

How you interpret messages about yourself has a lot to do with how you view yourself.

Positive: “You are fun to be around.”

Negative: “You always complain about everything.”

Constructive Criticism

Some negative messages can serve as good advice.Good advice on how to improve yourself=constructive criticismExample: you’ve not been getting along with your parents, your friend may recommend meeting in the middle and cooperating a little more.

When Negative Messages are not Constructive

Some negative messages can be hurtful, but they don’t have to lower your self-esteem.REMEMBER: self-esteem is how you feel about yourself NOT how others feel about you or what others say about you. Only YOU have the power to control your self-esteem!

Improve Your Self-Esteem

1. Use Positive Self-TalkThe things you say to yourself strongly affects the way you see yourselfWe are constantly talking to ourselves, whether we realize it or notSelf-talk = coaching yourself about your own self-worth.Tell yourself you’re valuable. Tell yourself your worth it. Tell yourself you can do what you set out to do.

Improve Your Self-Esteem

2. Act with integrity:Integrity is the characteristic of doing what one knows is right.

Live by the values and beliefs you believe in.

Improve Your Self-Esteem

3. Choose supportive friends:

It’s easier to treat yourself well if the people you know also speak well of you.

Avoid critical, disrespectful people.

Improve Your Self-Esteem

4. Accept yourself:People with high self-esteem do not think they are perfect.

They see all their imperfections and still think of themselves as valuable.