Melbourne, July 2 (ANI): Low self-esteem and the negative internal chatter that comes with it weighs down many women, it has been revealed.
This negativity can limit the activities they get involved in, the clothes they wear, the career opportunities they pursue and their ability to make friends.
It can also influence their choice of partner and what they're prepared to put up with from the people in their lives.
"Low self-esteem can mean that people don't treat us as well as they should," the Herald Sun quoted Relationships Australia psychologist Danielle Ollington as saying.
"We have a vulnerability or sense of fragility about us that enables people to cross boundaries they perhaps wouldn't cross with someone else," Ollington said.
According to Ollington, it's often because they're still carrying around messages from childhood, such as taunts from siblings or the things their parents did or didn't say.
"Overly critical parents can leave us with a sense that we'll never be good enough,'" she said.
"While overprotective parents may have given us the message that the world is a dangerous place and we can't manage independently," she said.
Abuse, suffered as a child or in adult relationships, can also erode self-esteem. Children who lose a parent through divorce or death or who feel neglected are also prone to self-esteem problems in later life.
Ollington says self-esteem issues often emerge at times of challenge and change, such during adolescence, after becoming a parent, during menopause and at times of grief.
It can be linked to depression and anxiety problems and can create a feeling of emptiness which sufferers often try to fill with alcohol, drugs, sexual encounters and other addictive behaviours.
Ollington says it's important to note that women can have high self-esteem in some areas of their life and low in others, such as a woman who feels strong and purposeful at work but defeated on the home front, or vice versa.
Negative thoughts and self talk are common signs. Others include comparing yourself unfavourably to others, not looking after your physical or mental health, not wanting to look at yourself in the mirror, not doing or trying something because you've already decided it won't end well and often feeling worthless and inadequate.
A key to improving poor self-esteem is to challenge negative self beliefs and replace them with positive affirmations and acceptance, Ollington says.
"Being in charge of our mind is one of the greatest powers we have," she said.
"Catch yourself when you think negative thoughts and change them to something more positive like 'I accept all the different parts of myself'," Ollington said.
Relaxation techniques, such as yoga and meditation, a greater awareness of your own needs and a commitment to looking after yourself physically, psychologically, emotionally, spiritually and professionally are also important for boosting self worth.
Physical care includes eating well, exercising, getting enough sleep and taking any necessary medication. Psychological care might involve writing in a journal, making time for self reflection or having therapy.
Spending time with people who make you feel good and indulging in activities you enjoy can help meet emotional needs, while spiritual care might include spending time with nature, allowing yourself to be inspired, getting involved in worthy causes and praying.
Taking breaks, chatting to colleagues, balancing your workland and finding exciting and rewarding tasks can improve self-esteem at work.
And finally, Ollington recommends striving for a balance in your work, family, relationships, play, and rest. (ANI)
null
|
|
Comments:
