Healthy Self Esteem for a healthy Mind, Body and Spirit

Part 4 of 6 Part Series on Self Esteem
Dr. Kimberley
"Be Happy & Healthy with Dr. Kimberley"

The Faces & Consequences of Low Self-Esteem

The Three Faces of Low Self-Esteem


Most of us have an image of what low self-esteem looks like, but it is not always so easy to recognize. Here are three common faces that low self-esteem may wear:

The Impostor: acts happy and successful, but is really terrified of failure. Lives with the constant fear that she or he will be "found out." Needs continuous successes to maintain the mask of positive self-esteem, which may lead to problems with perfectionism, procrastination, competition, and burn-out.

The Rebel: acts like the opinions or good will of others - especially people who are important or powerful - don't matter. Lives with constant anger about not feeling "good enough." Continuously needs to prove that others' judgments and criticisms don't hurt, which may lead to problems like blaming others excessively, breaking rules or laws, or fighting authority.

The Loser: acts helpless and unable to cope with the world and waits for someone to come to the rescue. Uses self-pity or indifference as a shield against fear of taking responsibility for changing his or her life. Looks constantly to others for guidance, which can lead to such problems as lacking assertiveness skills, under-achievement, and excessive reliance on others in relationships.

Consequences of Low Self-Esteem


Low self-esteem can have devastating consequences.

• It can create anxiety, stress, loneliness and increased likelihood for depression.

• It can cause problems with friendships and relationships.

• It can seriously impair academic and job performance.

• It can lead to underachievement and increased vulnerability to drug and alcohol abuse.

• Worst of all, these negative consequences themselves reinforce the negative self-image and can take a person into a downward spiral of lower and lower self-esteem and increasingly non-productive or even actively self-destructive behavior.

In my daily practice as a healer and coach, it is evident that many of life challenges stem from the root issue of self esteem. I am writing this six part series to show how healthy self esteem can be the springboard to a healthy mind, body and spirit.


Six part series - Self Esteem

1. What is Self Esteem
2. Poor Self Esteem vs Healthy Self Esteem
3. Where does Self Esteem come from?
4. The Faces & Consequences of Low Self Esteem
5. The Faces & Consequences of Healthy Self Esteem
6. 3 Steps to Change Your Self Esteem