Balanced Self-Esteem

Balanced self-esteem is defined as having the ability to recognize and accept one’s strengths as well as one’s weaknesses. Individuals with balanced self-esteem have a more accurate view of self. Individuals with a balanced self-esteem recognize their worth and understand their abilities. This understanding allows individuals to utilize their strengths to achieve life goals while seeking out resources/support for identified areas of growth. Often, these individuals exhibit self-awareness to their own mental, emotional, and behavioral health challenges. Individuals with balanced self-esteem not only recognize the worth and value that they bring, but they see the worth and value of others as well which can contribute to developing healthy relationships.

Low Self-Esteem

Low self-esteem is defined as having low self-confidence in one’s worth or abilities. Individuals struggling with low self-esteem often feel unloved, incompetent, or lacking a desired characteristic or ability. While everyone has strengths and growth areas, individuals with low self-esteem often become fixated on these growth areas and overlook their strengths. This fixation can contribute to increased anxiety, depression, isolation, and fear of letting down others. Rather than viewing weaknesses as potential growth areas, individuals with low self-esteem often view weaknesses as failures and lack hope in their ability to overcome or be successful.

*Both low self-esteem and inflated self-esteem can contribute to mental health challenges and relationship difficulties. Helping young people utilize/celebrate their strengths while also recognizing their weakness as potential growth areas can help young people develop a balanced self-esteem.

Inflated Self-Esteem

Inflated self-esteem is defined as having an unrealistic and overly positive (toxic positivity) confidence in one’s worth or abilities. Individuals struggling with inflated self-esteem often have a high view of self and typically underestimate the worth and abilities of others. Individuals with inflated self-esteem are aware of their strengths (which is wonderful) but they tend to overlook areas of growth. Individuals with inflated self-esteem often embrace positive emotions and dismiss/avoid emotions that may be more challenging or difficult to process. Overtime, bottling up challenging or difficult emotions can contribute to increased stress, anxiety, fear, and depression. Individuals with an inflated self-esteem may also experience challenges in terms of developing long-term, healthy, and mutually beneficial friendships.

*Both low self-esteem and inflated self-esteem can contribute to mental health challenges and relationship difficulties. Helping young people utilize/celebrate their strengths while also recognizing their weakness as potential growth areas can help young people develop a balanced self-esteem.