Zum Hauptinhalt springen
Self-esteem be kinder to yourself

Wie Sie Ihr Selbstwertgefühl verbessern und freundlicher zu sich selbst sein können

Wir alle haben Tage, an denen wir uns nicht wohl in unserer Haut fühlen, und es ist selten, dass man jemanden findet, der immer selbstbewusst ist. Aber wenn wir dauerhaft ein geringes Selbstwertgefühl haben, kann sich das negativ auf unser Leben und unser psychisches Wohlbefinden auswirken.

Self-esteem is how we value ourselves and when we have healthy self-esteem, we generally feel positive about ourselves and our lives. When our self-esteem is low, it can leave us feeling worthless, undeserving of happiness, or low in confidence, which can affect our health, work and relationships.

Lesen Sie unten weiter

Selbstwertgefühl vs. Selbstvertrauen

Low self-esteem stems from the beliefs you have about who you are as a person, and your opinion of yourself. It is more powerful and tends to pervade all areas of life.

Dr Sheri Jacobson, Clinical Director of Harley Therapy explains that low confidence, however, is about how you rate your skills and abilities. It can affect one or several areas of life. For example, you might have low confidence with public speaking, but be very confident with stating your mind in a small group.

Low self-esteem often begins in childhood - for example, as a result of bullying. But stress and difficult life events can also have a negative effect on our self-esteem, such as an illness, a bereavement, or a challenging life change, such as redundancy.

Anne Millne-Riley, a therapist, confidence coach, and a Counselling Directory member, says you can't always spot someone who has low self-esteem, but common signs are sensitivity to criticism or avoidance of social interactions. Some people may avoid trying new things, or stay away from challenging situations.

She explains: "People with low self-esteem can be more focused on their personal issues and avoid any situation where they might be 'centre stage' and they can think negatively. It is common for them to feel nervous or anxious and they would avoid situations where they might be judged or compared to others."

Although having low self-esteem isn't a mental health condition in itself, the two are closely linked. Having low self-esteem in the long term may lead to an issue such as depression or anxiety.

Naomi Barrow says low confidence and self-esteem leaves her struggling with everyday tasks.

She says: "Getting dressed can send me into a tailspin - and has left me crying more times than I care to count - so I tend to wear the same thing pretty much every day. Showering can also be incredibly difficult if I'm having a bad body image day. Leaving the house can be a real challenge.

"Es ist schwer, im Einzelnen aufzuzählen, welche Auswirkungen ein geringes Selbstvertrauen hat, denn es betrifft buchstäblich alles. Es hat dazu geführt, dass ich Freunde verliere, Zeit mit meiner Familie verpasse, Urlaube oder Besuche von Orten vermeide und mich generell vor Dingen verstecke.

Schritte zur Stärkung Ihres Selbstwertgefühls

Obwohl es sicherlich nicht einfach ist, die kritische innere Stimme vollständig zum Schweigen zu bringen, gibt es Schritte, die Sie unternehmen können, um Ihr Selbstwertgefühl zu verbessern und sich positiver zu fühlen.

Negative Überzeugungen in Frage stellen

Es hilft, negative Überzeugungen, die Sie über sich selbst haben, zu erkennen und zu hinterfragen.

Jacobson says: "Sit down and make a list of all the things you say against yourself, or if you are brave enough ask friends what sorts of things they notice you saying.

"For each criticism you have of yourself, write down the exact opposite. Then come up with 'facts' that prove both sides. You'll likely be surprised to find you can find proof for both sides. This exercise shows how our 'beliefs' are usually not so true at all.

"Finally, come up with a statement that is balanced and in the middle - such as: 'I'm not always naturally assertive, but if I need to be, I can be.'"

Konzentrieren Sie sich auf die positiven Aspekte

Wenn Sie sich die Zeit nehmen, über Ihre Erfolge nachzudenken, können Sie eine positivere Sicht auf sich selbst entwickeln. Es kann auch hilfreich sein, eine Liste der Dinge zu schreiben, die Sie an sich selbst mögen.

Barrow says she writes down three positives at the end of every day.

She explains: "It can be really difficult some days, and there have been days when they've included things such as 'my dressing gown is fluffy' and 'my heat pack is warm'. But it forces me to try to find some good in every day."

Identifizieren Sie Ihre Auslöser

Millne-Riley recommends asking yourself if there are times when you feel more confident or less confident.

She says: "If we can identify the triggers that drain us of confidence and those factors that help us relax and be ourselves, we can identify areas for self-development and strengths we can build on.

"Bitten Sie vertrauenswürdige Freunde und Familienmitglieder, Ihnen dabei zu helfen, Ihre Stärken, Fähigkeiten und Talente zu erkennen. Hören Sie auf das, was sie zu sagen haben, und lernen Sie, sich selbst zu mögen."

Versuchen Sie Gesprächstherapien

Talking about your feelings with a trained professional can help you work through issues and build self-esteem.

Millne-Riley says: "Cognitive behavioural therapy can help you to think more positively about yourself and your abilities. You will learn to challenge your limiting beliefs and become less self-critical as you focus on your strengths."

Sei nett zu dir selbst

Although it can be difficult to find the motivation to take care of yourself, it's important for your mental wellbeing.

Geraldine Joaquim, a hypnotherapist, recommends taking time out to do things that make you happy.

She advises: "Put non-negotiable dates in your diary for 'me time' such as a yoga class or joining a book club, or whatever you like doing for relaxation. Prioritise your relaxation - stress makes that inner voice louder so reducing your stress through relaxation helps to dampen it."

Positive Beziehungen aufbauen

Es mag offensichtlich klingen, aber Zeit mit Menschen zu verbringen, die Sie schätzen und gut behandeln, ist der Schlüssel zur Steigerung des Selbstwertgefühls.

Barrow says: "In terms of thinking most positively, I'm working on building up an army of cheerleaders around me. These people are amazing friends, colleagues and family who build me up rather than dragging me down."

Fordere dich selbst heraus

Setting yourself a goal can help you feel more positive about yourself. This could mean joining an exercise class, going to a social event, or even trying out a new recipe.

Lesen Sie unten weiter

Artikel Geschichte

Die Informationen auf dieser Seite wurden von qualifizierten Klinikern geprüft.

  • Nächste Überprüfung fällig: 23. Oktober 2028
  • 23 Oct 2025 | Latest version

    Zuletzt aktualisiert von

    Lynn Stephen

    Peer-Review durch

    Dr. Colin Tidy, MRCGP
  • 15. Februar 2018 | Ursprünglich veröffentlicht

    Verfasst von:

    Lydia Smith
Grippe-Tauglichkeitsprüfung

Fragen, teilen, verbinden.

Stöbern Sie in Diskussionen, stellen Sie Fragen, und tauschen Sie Erfahrungen zu Hunderten von Gesundheitsthemen aus.

Symptom-Prüfer

Fühlen Sie sich unwohl?

Beurteilen Sie Ihre Symptome online und kostenlos