Self-esteem is the value we place on who we are, while self-concept refers to how we perceive ourselves.

Both are vital from our earliest childhood, when what we believe we are to our parents, siblings and first friends is key. The early family environment will be the basis for strong emotional relationships.

The personal image: how does it develop?

After childhood comes adolescence, another critical stage in which the personal image begins to be established and developed and sentimental relationships appear . How these are experienced will influence our way of facing the dynamics of the couple and the emotions in the future. This is a time of change for people and these relationships are usually lived with uncertainty, with intensity, but also with great disappointment, so it will be necessary to help boys and girls.

Another area in which the lack of self-esteem can play tricks on us is the work environment , which is becoming more competitive every day and in which we have to feel strengthened in order to manage without problems. In our workplace, we are faced with a variety of situations every day that test how we value ourselves. Some of them, almost always the negative ones, are repeated every day, and make us question many things.

To avoid being hurt by established hierarchical relationships, work injustices or bad relationships with colleagues we have to be confident and able to take criticism.

Self-esteem and self-image

In these times in which the image has taken a great prominence it is impossible to talk about self-esteem without referring to it; to social networks, chats, selfies and that instagram in which many lives, not always real, are exposed.

Overexposure is producing many self-esteem problems in people who do not feel good about their physique . The comparison with other people in the network profiles and the social demand to show off a good body has increased their discomfort.

For those who give priority to image over other levels, the impact of not feeling good about their external appearance will be very high in this context.

The problem occurs when this fixation by our physicist is excessive, since it can generate stress, anxiety, as well as verbalizations and behaviors that pursue the objective of camouflaging or modifying the physical aspect. In these cases, psychologists talk about dysmorphophobic disorder.

This disorder can be the final point on a path riddled with insecurities and complexes that crystallize into beliefs of this kind.

In this case, the affected person should put himself in the hands of a professional who, first of all, will make him understand what is causing him so much discomfort. In a second stage, psychologist and client will work on the beliefs that are limiting him/her.

Is dysmorphophobia treatable?

Of course, there are effective treatments to minimize dysmorphophobia , helping the patient to significantly reduce their discomfort and that small physical complexes are increasingly bearable.

Without going so far, the discomfort is manifested, for example, in the obsession with shopping and in negative verbalizations in front of the mirror, the classic “I have nothing to wear” in front of a closet full of clothes. Teenagers, especially women, due to the social pressure to which they are subjected, often experience this type of insecurity.

We should not take as a triviality the constant need to buy and release new clothes, accessories or any other object or accessory that reinforces the personal image, if not being able to do so impacts on welfare.

It is very important to monitor these behaviors in adolescence, a time when, as I pointed out earlier, a large part of how we see ourselves is forged.

Tips for Taking Care of Your Self-Esteem

Self-esteem is key throughout our lives and must always be cared for and cultivated. It must be pampered and strengthened. For this I leave you these tips.

  • Value and appreciate the achievements, however small, that you make every day.
  • Stand up for your assertive rights. You don’t have to say “yes” to everyone. If someone criticizes or makes fun of you, ask them what they mean and defend yourself calmly but firmly.
  • Mistakes are human. You have a right to make them too.
  • Don’t be afraid to make a fool of yourself, you’ll see that, if it happens, it’s not as bad as you’d imagined.
  • Be proud of what you have achieved in the past and present.
  • Don’t be so modest. If someone pays you a compliment, thank them and don’t underestimate yourself.
  • Don’t let your fears stop you from pursuing your goals.

And, of course, if you think you need psychological support, don’t hesitate to go to your reference centre .