YOUR HEALTH
with Hazel Simango
LOW SELF ESTEEM
◇When one downplays or ignores
their positive qualities.
◇Judges themselves to be inferior to their peers.
Incidence
◇High in teenagers especially young girls.
CAUSES
◇Unhappy childhood involving parents and other significant people such as teachers.
◇Poor academic performances
◇Bullying
◇Abuse can be verbal, sexual or physical
◇Age high in teenagers
◇Health reaction of others to the condition one has
◇Life experience if one does not receive love, affection and positive interaction in childhood
◇Constant criticism and negative talk.
◇Physical and mental health issues
◇Peer pressure to achieve and excel in certain areas .
◇Stigma or discrimination
◇Family or relationship problems .
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
◇uses negative words to describe themselves such as "am stupid, am fat, am ugly or unloveable."
◇Lacks confidence about who they area and what they can do.
◇Blaming your self always when things go wrong.
◇Thinking they don't deserve to have fun.
◇Avoiding things and fear of fulfilling
◇Being overly upset by disapproval or criticism.
EFFECTS OF LOW SELF ESTEEM
◇May lead to addiction in later life eg substance abuse
◇Depression
◇Anxiety
◇May have negative impact on relationships
◇Lead to unhealthy choices in life.
◇Suicidal thoughts
◇Withdrawal
◇Eating - disorders
◇Social Phobia
◇Hysteria
HOW TO IMPROVE SELF ESTEEM
◇Focus on things you are good at .
◇Celebrate the small things in your life .
◇Focus on things you can change don't worry about things you can not change.
◇Avoid doing things or trying to do things perfectly.
◇Do things you enjoy.
◇Be with people who don't bring you down
◇Volunteer to help others as well.
◇Get professional counselling if there is need.
OVERCOMING FEAR IS THE QUICKEST WAY TO GAIN SELF CONFIDENCE.
*Hazel Simango is a Medical Practitioner based in Chinhoyi. She soldiers at Hunyani Corps in Makonde Division - Salvationist online
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