Self-esteem, simply put, is how we perceive and value ourselves. It encompasses a continuum of opinions and beliefs about our own worth and abilities, often synonymous with self-confidence.

Are Mental Disorders and Self-Esteem Connected?

While low self-esteem isn't classified as a mental health disorder, there's a close relationship between mental health and self-esteem. Signs of low self-esteem can often overlap with symptoms of mental health problems, indicating a potential connection between the two.

How Does Self-Confidence Support Mental Health?

It has to do with how accurately someone can perceive themselves.  If you have an unrealistic view of yourself (either overly high or overly low self-esteem) that can affect certain aspects of how you relate to others and the world around, you.  If your self-esteem is overly high or inflated, you may be more arrogant, entitled, demanding in your behavior.  If your self-esteem is overly low, you may feel inferior to others which could lead to difficulty asserting yourself and creating and maintaining boundaries even when they are warranted and appropriate.  Sometimes people with lower self-esteem try to overcompensate by putting on a front of false confidence, however, this is usually difficult to maintain and over time, their lower self-esteem often becomes more apparent.  Healthy self-esteem usually involves a more realistic, balanced view of oneself. 

Here are tips to improve self-esteem:

• Make a list of things you feel are positive/admirable about yourself.

• Don’t please others at your expense.

• Try new things (i.e. step out of your comfort zone)

• Stop comparing/contrasting yourself to others.

• Forgive yourself for your past thoughts.

• Create and maintain boundaries for yourself.

• Celebrate your wins/achievements/accomplishments.

• Distance yourself from those who are not supportive.

What Causes High Self-Esteem?

Similarly, high self-esteem is influenced by factors such as positive childhood experiences, supportive environments, societal and cultural norms, media representations (including social media), and affirming relationships. The same factors are involved in both low and high self-esteem: childhood experiences and environments, society & culture, media (including social media), and the people in one’s life.