Low self-esteem is explored through the thoughts, feelings and everyday behaviours that can keep a person judging themselves harshly. The sheet explains how negative self-beliefs may affect confidence, work or study, relationships, leisure, self-care and emotional wellbeing.
What is low self-esteem? This downloadable PDF gives a clear, accessible explanation of low self-esteem, including how poor self-worth, low confidence and negative self-beliefs can show up in daily life. Use it as a short psychoeducation handout in counselling sessions, wellbeing appointments, guided self-help, student support or personal reflection when someone needs a simple way to understand repeated self-criticism or feeling not good enough.
It is most suited to adults and older teenagers, as well as therapists, counsellors, mental health practitioners and support staff introducing the topic. The sheet can be used before a discussion, as a follow-up task after an appointment, or as part of a wellbeing pack alongside worksheets, reflection prompts or practical self-care planning.
The resource defines self-esteem and describes low self-esteem as a generally negative opinion of oneself. It outlines common impacts such as frequent self-criticism, dismissing compliments, difficult emotions, underachievement or overworking, relationship difficulties, reduced leisure activities and problems with personal self-care. It also notes that low self-esteem may be a current issue, linked with other difficulties such as depression, chronic illness or relationship problems, or a problem in its own right.
View, download or print the PDF to support a focused conversation about the patterns that can maintain low self-esteem and encourage practical next steps. Author: Centre for Clinical Interventions.
