Self-esteem is also known as self-worth or self-respect. Self-esteem is the belief that people have in themselves of their own worth and abilities.

Self-esteem elements can include the following:

• Self-confidence and having an understanding of your own skills
• Feelings of security and having realistic personal expectations
• Sense of belonging and having the ability to maintain healthy relationships with others
• Feeling of competence and having the ability to express your needs

Healthy self-esteem is being aware of your own level of self-belief and self-worth, how you think, see and feel about yourself.

When you have healthy or good self-esteem you will feel good about yourself, you will be positive and have the ability to experience any accomplishments with proud and confidence. Good self-esteem means that you will have motivation, you will not worry to much about what other people think of you because you are satisfied with yourself just the way you are.

What would having positive self-esteem look like?

• Being happy with yourself just as you are
• Thinking realistically and positively about yourself
• Accepting that it’s okay to have weaknesses and this doesn’t make you a failure
• Accepting yourself for who you are
• Recognising your positive qualities
• Treating yourself with respect
• Realising that the ‘perfect’ person does not exist

However, there are times throughout your life when you might struggle with your self-esteem which could affect your motivation, how you feel about yourself and you might start to worry about what people think about you. You might start to think negatively about yourself, feel that you are not good enough and become indecisive; so you end up second guessing yourself.

• Factors that could have an impact upon your self-esteem
• Lack of sleep
• Online Bullying
• Bullying
• Poor relationships with family members
• Exam stress
• Lack of supportive friendships
• Poor diet
• Poor housing
• Illness/disability