Happy Adolescence:
Toward Healthy Self-Esteem
Toward Healthy Self-Esteem
Adolescence can bring your child some happy and memorable times. There may be many exciting things going on in their life with their friends, having fun, dreaming big and finding new meaning. Unfortunately, if your child struggles with low self-esteem they may find this time in their lives to be rather challenging.
During adolescence, having friends and discovering identity can take center stage. If they see themselves as different, undesirable, and/or unlovable, they may be more likely to develop poor self-esteem.
Self-Esteem: What Is It?
Self-esteem refers to how people perceive themselves. The key to the development of healthy self-esteem is “personal satisfaction with areas of life that the individual deems to be important,” according to Understanding Teenagers. Psychology Today states that self-esteem “is not real in the sense that it can be visually examined, physically touched, or directly observed,”. The presence, function and value of self-esteem are inferred or deduced through behavior and responses.
Teens with healthy self-esteem are likely “to: a) feel good about themselves; b) feel proud of what they can do; c) believe in themselves, even when they don’t succeed at first; d) see their own good qualities, such as being kind or capable; e) feel liked, loved, and respected; f) accept themselves, even when they make mistakes.”
On the contrary, with low self-esteem teens are more likely to second guess themselves, isolate, avoid healthy challenges and even develop symptoms associated with depression and anxiety.
Self-Esteem Is Important
Self-esteem is important because it touches every facet of your teenager’s life. It affects their emotional health, behavior, and interactions with other people. Their success and happiness can be founded on it. Body image is only one aspect of it, but how they see their physical attributes can affect their overall self-worth.
Teens with a healthy self-image can have the confidence and courage to explore, experience, and taste life to the fullest. They are inclined to be more optimistic, believing that they are good enough and that failures are a part of learning.
Conversely, poor self-esteem can hurt your child. They can feel alone and unsure of themselves. They may be perpetually hounded by “what-ifs,” not having the courage to try new things. At a time when adolescent children are searching for identity, how they perceive themselves is critical.
Teens Are At Risk for Low Self-Esteem, Counseling Can Help
Adolescents are vulnerable to developing poor self-image because of the dramatic emotional and physical changes assaulting their brains and bodies. Changes happen throughout life, but “there are huge leaps in development during adolescence,” said expert Sara Johnson of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
The Good News: Healthy self-esteem can be developed. A person’s self-esteem changes throughout life, so it isn’t too late to help your teen improve the way they view themselves. Therapy can help you to develop healthy self-esteem and positive self-worth.
Carolina Counseling Services – Southern Pines Office contracts with skilled, licensed therapists and counselors that can help your teen improve their self-esteem. Call today to schedule your first appointment. Online counseling and in person sessions are available!
PO BOX 9909 Fayetteville, NC 28311