Self-esteem describes the value and respect you have for yourself. If you have a healthy self-esteem, you feel good about yourself as a person and are proud of what you can do. However, it is normal to feel down sometimes. Having a healthy or high self-esteem can help you to think positively, deal better with stress, and boost your drive to work hard. Having low self-esteem can cause you to feel uneasy and may get in the way of doing things you might enjoy. For some, low self-esteem can contribute to serious problems such as depression, drug and alcohol use, and eating disorders.
Find out if you have a healthy self-esteem
If you have high or healthy self-esteem, you will agree with the following statements:
- I am proud of what I can do, but I do not show off.
- I know there are some things that I am good at and some things I need to improve.
- I am responsible for the things I do and say, both good and bad.
- It is okay if I win or if I lose.
- Before I do something, I usually think "I can do it."
Find out if you have low or poor self-esteem
If you have low or poor self-esteem, you might agree with the following statements:
- I am ugly or dumb.
- I do not have any friends.
- I do not like to try new things.
- It really upsets me to make mistakes.
- I do not think I am as nice, pretty, or smart as the other girls in my class.
- I have a hard time making friends.
- I have a hard time making friends because I end up getting angry and fighting with people.
- It makes me uncomfortable when people say nice things about me.
- Sometimes I feel better if I say mean things to other people.
Try these steps to boost your self-esteem
- Tell yourself that it is okay not to be the best at everything.
- Help out by doing chores around the house and volunteering in your community.
- Do things that you enjoy, or learn about new things you would like to try.
- Understand that there will be times when you will feel disappointed in yourself and other people. No one is perfect!
- If you are angry, try talking it over with an adult you trust (parents/guardians, relatives or a school counselor).
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Think positively about yourself and the things you can do. Think: "I will try!"
- If you still find that you are not feeling good about yourself, talk to your parents/guardian, a school counselor, or your doctor because you may be at risk for depression. (You can also ask the school nurse for help through tough times. Some schools offer counseling.) Learn more about depression and other health issues that can affect your mind.
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