How Does Low Self-Esteem Affect Women

The opinion that you hold about yourself is known as self-esteem. If you have a negative opinion of your abilities, appearance, or character, then you suffer from low self-esteem. Women tend to be more affected by it. This phenomenon is even more noticeable in western cultures as the gender gap is much more significant. This article will analyze the various aspects of low self-esteem and how it affects women.  

Self Esteem 

Self-esteem can be understood as the way you feel about yourself. If you are happy with and proud of your achievements, you have healthy self-esteem. This normally leads to greater levels of satisfaction as well as confident decisions and actions. In comparison, those who suffer from low self-esteem are highly critical of themselves.

Women with low self-esteem may feel dissatisfied or unhappy with their life. They may also suffer from indecision or may be full of doubts about their life choices. They may also fail to recognize their positive aspects and always suffer from an inferiority complex. But the good news is that you can improve your opinion of yourself by working on your self-esteem.  

Causes of Low Self-esteem in Women 

• Feeling inferior in terms of academics 
• Facing criticism in childhood, especially from parents 
• Major life events like unsuccessful relationships, financial problems, chronic illness, etc. 

While these events can also occur in a man's life, they are usually found with better levels of self-esteem. To understand and analyze low self-team in women, we must look at the various universal mechanisms that transcend culture and society. Biological and hormonal processes and genetics could be crucial in understanding low self-esteem among women as these transcend cultural context and geographical locations.  

The researchers have concluded that sex role socialization could be the cause of the difference between men and women when it comes to low self-esteem. According to this theory, both sexes exploit various sources to boost their self-esteem.

Since women look towards beauty magazines for validation, it may lead to feelings of inadequacy. Women also use multiple criteria for self-evaluation and, in the process, may become harsh internal critics of themselves. Women also react very strongly to any negative feedback. Such feedback can not only threaten their healthy self-esteem but also worsen their existing negative feelings.  

Symptoms Of Low Self-esteem in Women 

• Being extremely self-critical 
• Ignoring the positive characteristics 
• Associating your body or mind with negative words like fat or ugly 
• Self-blaming tendencies 
• Not giving oneself enough credit 
• Inferiority complex 
• Negative self-talk 

Effects Of Low Self-esteem 

Let us discuss what are the effects of self-esteem on various aspects of life: 

On Life  

Low self-esteem can have adverse effects on your life. While it may result in depression or anxiety, it can also impact your relationships, including the ones you have with yourself. In order to correct their personal imperfections, some women choose to become perfectionists.

On the other hand, some women may stop trying altogether due to their fear of failure. Most of them also live in fear of being judged by others. If a woman is suffering from low self-esteem, it might become difficult for her to defend herself against challenges in life.  

On Mental Health  

If we talk about the consequences of low self-esteem on mental health, chronic low self-esteem could bring feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness. If a woman loses sight of positive aspects, she may also neglect self-care, such as personal hygiene. She may not only resort to alcohol or drug abuse but also have recurring thoughts of self-harm.   

Treating Low Esteem  

To improve your self-esteem, you must start nurturing respect for yourself. Some of the most common practices employed for treating lower self-esteem problems include -  

Self-Care 

While it may take time to feel worthy of love and respect, you can always start by treating yourself better. Indulge in things that make you happy or relax your mind and body with things like a bubble bath or watching your favorite movie.

These activities will slowly make you care about yourself and make you feel worthy of care and respect. Once you start appreciating yourself, you will realize your importance and that you deserve to be treated respectfully.   

Read Also: Making Self-Care a Priority

Establish Boundaries 

Women often juggle multiple relationships, and all of them demand something, be it your time or your attention. While you cannot afford to ignore any one of them, supporting all of them at the same time can be exhausting. Hence you must establish healthy boundaries if you wish to avoid burnout.  

However, establishing boundaries may feel like a failure, especially when you suffer from low self-esteem. But they are essential not only for yourself but also for those around you. If you ask your child to wait for a few minutes while you finish your coffee, it gives you the time to recharge and become a better parent.   

Counseling  

Therapy is another option for you if you are struggling with your self-esteem. A therapist can help you notice all those qualities within you that you may have overlooked or ignored for a long time. It would also give you enough courage to accept yourself.  

Physical Exercises  

Any kind of physical movement or exercise releases endorphins and gives you a happy rush. Anything from a brisk walk to a cycling trip can help you to feel better.  

Avoid Negativity  

If you often engage in negative self-talk, try to pay attention to what you are saying about yourself. Initially, you may find it difficult, and it may also take some practice and even a second opinion but try to look for evidence that can negate your negative thoughts. 

Also, accept and acknowledge the compliments that you receive from others. Instead of considering yourself an impostor, trying to take credit for positive things.   

Many women around the world suffer from low self-esteem. It not only affects their quality of life but also impacts their mental health. Therefore, some of the activities mentioned above can help in curbing negative self-talk and appreciating yourself more.