Low Self Esteem Symptoms: Do You Have Them?
An individual who has low self esteem will manifest low self esteem symptoms every single day of his life. It is seen in his behavior, social and business interactions, relationships, performance, and outlook in life. Contrary to popular belief, people who succeed in business, profession, schooling, or parenting may also turn out to have self esteem issues despite their stellar accomplishments. The effect of how poor one’s regard for self is can affect the quality of his life but it shows on a case to case basis. In whichever area of life it hits, having a low self esteem is still unhealthy and limiting. Usually it takes its toll on the individual’s happiness, contentment, ability to recognize possible dangers, and peace of mind to name a few.
The first step to overcoming low self esteem is by recognizing low self esteem symptoms one might have. Depending on the gravity of one’s self esteem issues, an individual suffering from this dilemma may experience most or all of the following symptoms.
Difficulty expressing feelings
A person with low self esteem will often find it hard to determine or show his feelings one way or the other. It’s either they are unable to feel those intense feelings like depression, anger, jealousy, love or are suppressing them so as not to hurt their own feelings or others’. It is a classic to hear them say “I am not angry” when confronted by the offender or about a situation where he had been crossed or done wrong. Most of the time they deny their feelings of anger or jealousy or hide it from others for fear of losing a relationship or looking bad. They think it’s bad to express feelings, so they do not. But instead of drawing love and care from others, this only builds an invisible wall which people find difficult to break.
Unseemly Humility
Genuine humility entails modesty and respect for others and oneself. A humble person does not boast about his accomplishments or possessions outright but e knows in himself where he stands. On the other hand, a person with low self esteem does not also brag but thinks of himself as less than or not equal to other people. He always feels sorry for himself and at the same time, find that sorry state an excuse to let things remain as is.
Perfectionism
Pressure from others is what drives people with low self esteem to achieve perfectionism in the things that they do. And because perfection is often unattainable, they go into bouts of depression and frustration when they fail to meet the lofty standards they have set for themselves thinking no one will love or accept them for being mediocre.
Constant Need for Approval and Praise
A person with low self esteem usually has low self confidence also, so whether they achieve something or not, they will not have the capability to pat themselves at the back. Their thinking would always be “If you tell me I’m good, then I am. But if you don’t, then I suck.” This is because they are unable to see themselves as someone worthy. They can only know their worth by summing up the number of compliments, encouragements, and praise they get from others.
Other low self esteem symptoms include pride, shyness, aggression, inability to decide, hypersensitivity, blaming others, denial, constant feelings of rejection, and attention-seeking. If you find yourself exhibiting these kinds of thoughts or behaviors, then you are suffering from the stress of having a low self esteem. The good news is it’s not too late to change your situation. There are ways to deal with each symptoms but accept that it will take you time and a lot of will power.
