Self-esteem recap

The powerpoint for today's Adobe Connect session is on the share drive at S: SC Region/Camden/Melissa/Lunch and Learn Presentations

Summary:

Self-esteem is our self-worth or personal value. It's also how we evaluate ourselves. Those with positive self-esteem feel good about themselves and have a positive outlook. Those with negative self-esteem demean and doubt themselves.

Self-esteem results from relationships/events/situations with parents during childhood, friends, peers, significant others in intimate relationships, teachers, co-workers, strangers, and the media.

People with positive self-esteem have positive characteristics associated with them, such as taking responsibility, self-motivated, good relationships, and respect. People with low self-esteem have unhappy relationships, poor judgment, critical view of themselves, and they don't believe in themselves. Low self-esteem can lead to worry, depression, use of substances, angry behavior, or eating concerns. Stress is also related to low self-esteem and the immune system may be compromised in those with low self-esteem.

Three tips for feeling good: think deeply about your feelings, look for the silver linings (positive things), and practice gratitude.

We can always improve our mental health, even if we think it is good. Building our self-esteem can lead to self-fulfillment, which is an essential part of our well-being.

To maintain self-esteem, you can do some of the following: join a support group if necessary, be realistic, make time for yourself, maintain physical health, ask for help when needed, let go of negativity (especially from your childhood), work to change things you don't like, avoid media influences of self-esteem, and surround yourself with those who care.