What is imposter syndrome? Imposter syndrome is the experience of lacking confidence in your own abilities and feeling like a fraud. This is coupled with the internalised fear that others will realise you’re not as skilled or competent as they thought. Although imposter syndrome is not a mental disorder listed in the diagnostic manuals, itContinue reading “What is imposter syndrome and how is it related to self-esteem?”
Category Archives: Self-esteem
Perfectionism and low self-esteem
How does perfectionism and low self-esteem work together? Perfectionism is observed when a person sets themselves very high standards, which are often difficult to meet. When the standards are inevitably not met, this can lead to feelings of failure. In turn, this can result in low self-esteem and feeling anxious and depressed. Alternatively, the veryContinue reading “Perfectionism and low self-esteem”
What is low self-esteem and how can we manage it?
Self esteem is how we view our worth. If we have low self-esteem, we tend to believe we are not worthy. Read on to learn how low self-esteem develops and sticks around, and how we can manage it using cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Where does low self-esteem come from? Low self-esteem can come from aContinue reading “What is low self-esteem and how can we manage it?”
How do I become more assertive?
What is assertiveness? Being assertive is a skill that allows you to stand up for your own, or other’s, rights. It means that you listen and talk (rather than dominate or take a back seat), but you still get your point across fairly. If you’re not assertive, what are you instead? You might be passive,Continue reading “How do I become more assertive?”
The steps to good self-esteem
Self-esteem is all about our evaluation of our own worth. If we think we’re worthy, we have higher self-esteem. Whereas, if we think we’re not worthy, we tend to have lower self-esteem. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs Maslow’s hierarchy (see image below) is a way of showing the steps needed to be able to reach aContinue reading “The steps to good self-esteem”
Guilt: what is it and how do we overcome it?
We have all felt a sense of guilt at one time or another – it’s impossible to go through life without upsetting someone or making a mistake. It demonstrates an element of empathy and promotes a pro-social life. But how can we manage it in a healthy way? How can we define ‘guilt’? Guilt isContinue reading “Guilt: what is it and how do we overcome it?”
What is rumination and why is it unhelpful?
We all think about the past from time-to-time. It can aid us as we reflect on past situations, learn from them and grow. For many, rumination only occurs over a short period of time, and ceases once a conclusion is met. However, others can become stuck in ruminating and struggle to come to a conclusion.Continue reading “What is rumination and why is it unhelpful?”
The link between social media use and mental health
Social media is a very influential and important part of modern life. Although it was originally just created as a tool of communication, social media is becoming increasingly embedded into everyday life. For example, many job roles now involve social media use, such as posting on behalf of a company you work for, or evenContinue reading “The link between social media use and mental health”
Why is it so important we take breaks?
It is a common mentality that continuously working until exhaustion without breaks demonstrates a good work ethic. In certain situations, we are tempted (and sometimes encouraged) to push ourselves as much as possible. For example, during exam season, or when starting at a new job and trying to make a good first impression. Culturally, weContinue reading “Why is it so important we take breaks?”