Self Esteem Issues

Identifying Low Self-Esteem

• Approval Addiction – Validation only with approval – “If people like me I must be good.”
• Workaholic – “If I accomplish so much, I must be good.”
• Perfectionism  – “If I am perfect I must be good.”
• Symbolic Validation – Intense need to have nice things like BMW, brand name clothes or big house, “If I am successful I must be good.”
• Need To Be Needed – End up in unhealthy relationships to be needed.
• Reactive Mood – Mood oscillating with elated mood from approval to crashing when not appreciated, many times in a day.
• Rejection Sensitivity – Extreme intolerance to simple criticism or rejection – They feel like a failure after receiving any type of criticism.

There is nothing wrong with having nicer things, being liked by people and hard working but if they become only way of validation, they eventually burn out and feel depressed in trying to accomplish them.

The Signs Of Low Self-Esteem Are:

• Makes negative “I am” statements.
• Fears new experiences and changes; lacks trust.
• Has exaggerated responses to defeats or disappointments;  wants to be perfect, but sees self as far from perfect.
• Frequently boasts; exaggerates successes to cover up feelings  of inadequacy.
• Eager to please; strong need for approval and constant support.
• Demonstrates poor eye contact.
• Strong need for material possessions.
• Reluctant to express own ideas; lacks belief in self.
• Uses lots of energy to maintain a false image.
• Excessively anxious.
• Overly sensitive to criticism, but overly critical of others.
• Apologizes excessively; lots of negative self-talk.

Contact Mathers Clinic

Contact us to schedule an appointment with a psychiatrist or for more information about our services by calling (815) 444.9999. You may also email us at info@themathersclinic.com. We look forward to helping you meet with a psychologist at a time that works well for you.