How you look and feel about yourself is important. Here's some info on self-esteem.

What is self-esteem?

'Esteem’ means that someone or something is important or valued, so self-esteem is all about valuing yourself. It’s about recognising and celebrating what is good about yourself, and giving yourself the benefit of the doubt.

Why is good self-esteem important?

Good self-esteem is important because it helps you to have the courage to face challenges and keep going when things get tough. It helps build your confidence to try new things. It helps you respect yourself, even when you make mistakes.

People who have low self-esteem tend to be very critical of themselves and to view themselves as unimportant and insignficant.  It could be to do with looks, abilities or skills, or how to relate to other people. Thinking like this can really affect their life. It can make them feel low and it can prevent them from doing things they would like to do.

Often how we think and feel about ourselves affects the way we treat other people. When you respect yourself you are more likely to treat others well, in turn that could lead to them treating you better too.

Why do people have low self-esteem?

Having low self-esteem is nobody’s fault – it’s usually because a person has had their confidence knocked by events in their life or by the way people have treated them in the past. Everyone at some point has something they don't like about themselves. No one gets away from this!

Failing an exam, losing a job, being the victim of a crime or violence, or breaking up from a relationship can all affect self-esteem. Some of us bounce back from the bad things that happen in life, but sometimes it’s not so easy and things can get on top of you. If you feel like this is happening to you, it might be good to talk to someone, whether it’s a counsellor face-to-face or calling a helpline like Breathing Space - 0800 83 85 87 (6pm - 2am)

How to boost your own self-esteem

Here are a few simple things you can do to boost your self-esteem.

• Try to eat well and get enough sleep, and to get some exercise.
• Take time out to do something you like, whether it’s going to the cinema, playing pool or just reading a book.
• Spend time with people and do things where you meet new people- it may help to remind yourself that your friends like hanging out with you so you must be nice to be around.
• Each day, try listing 3 things you like about yourself- it could be anything big or small.
• When you think bad things about yourself don't listen and accept it- choose to believe that you do have worth and value.
• Set yourself a goal or a challenge- when you achieve it tell your friends!

Remember, everyone feels a bit low and down sometimes – even those who seem most confident and successful.