Self esteem is related to yourself worth and your value. Building self esteem is a first step towards your happiness and a better life.

Self esteem increases your confidence. If you have confidence you will respect yourself. If you respect yourself you can respect others, improve your relationships, your achievements and your happiness...

Low self esteem causes depression, unhappiness, insecurity and poor confidence. Other's desires may take preference over yours. Inner criticism, that nagging voice of disapproval inside you, causes you to stumble at every challenge and challenges seem impossible.

Self image is how you see yourself in relation to others. This may be how you see yourself physically or it may be more about the idea you have of yourself which could also be called self concept. It is very important as it affects your self esteem and confidence.

Some Keys to Improving Your Self Esteem/Self Image:

• List things you like about yourself - include appearance, personality and skills
• Change negative thoughts to positive thoughts by focusing on the positive ones and trying to forget the negative things that happen to you
• Take up an exercise program - you will feel better and look better!
• Remember good things people have said about you and note them down if you want
• Question whether your view of yourself is accurate examine why you see yourself like you do
• Make any changes you think would help you for example clothes, appearance, hair style, behavior in certain situations
• Accept things about yourself that are true and learn to think about them in a positive way
• Take yourself less seriously and lighten up!
• Accept criticism in a constructive way so you can improve and develop
• Don't be limited by your internal image, step outside of it and break free, it doesn't have to control you or keep you down. Acting differently will change how others see you and will also help to change your own attitude towards yourself and your abilities
• Take up challenges positively and surprise yourself!

Alina Gastesi-de Armas, MA, MEd, LMHC
Clinical Director