Low self-esteem can be a silent struggle that affects every aspect of your life without you even realising it.
It’s not always obvious, but recognising the signs is the first step towards improving your self-worth. If you find yourself relating to multiple items on this list, it might be time to have a closer look at your self-esteem. Here are 15 signs it’s at an all-time low.
1. You constantly apologise, even when you’re not at fault.
If “sorry” is your go-to word, you might be dealing with low self-esteem. Excessive apologising often stems from a fear of disappointing people or taking up space. It’s a habit that suggests you value people’s feelings and comfort over your own.
2. You struggle to accept compliments.
When someone praises you, do you brush it off or immediately deflect? This inability to internalise positive feedback is a classic sign of low self-esteem. You might feel undeserving of praise or suspect the person is just being polite.
3. You avoid trying new things for fear of failure.
Low self-esteem can manifest as an intense fear of failure. If you find yourself sticking to what you know and shying away from new experiences, it might be because you don’t trust in your ability to succeed or handle potential setbacks.
4. You engage in negative self-talk.
Pay attention to your inner dialogue. If it’s filled with self-criticism, put-downs, and harsh judgments, you’re likely struggling with low self-esteem. This negative self-talk reinforces feelings of unworthiness and can become a self-fulfilling prophecy.
5. You’re not very good at setting or maintaining boundaries.
If you find it hard to say no or stand up for yourself, it could be a sign of low self-esteem. People with healthy self-esteem understand their own worth and feel comfortable asserting their needs and limits.
6. You’re overly sensitive to criticism.
While no one enjoys criticism, those with low self-esteem tend to take it particularly hard. Even constructive feedback might feel like a personal attack, leading to defensiveness or feelings of inadequacy.
7. You compare yourself to other people and are always lacking.
Constant comparison to other people, especially on social media, can be a sign of low self-esteem. If you always feel like you come up short in these comparisons, it’s time to reassess your self-worth.
8. You seek constant validation from outside sources.
Needing frequent reassurance about your decisions, appearance, or worth is a clear indicator of low self-esteem. It suggests you don’t trust your own judgment and rely too heavily on other people’s opinions.
9. You downplay your achievements.
If you tend to attribute your successes to luck or downplay your accomplishments, you might be struggling with low self-esteem. This habit of downplaying your achievements prevents you from fully recognizing your capabilities.
10. You’re a perfectionist.
Surprisingly, perfectionism often stems from low self-esteem. The constant drive for perfection can be an attempt to prove your worth or avoid criticism. It’s an exhausting way to live and often leads to disappointment.
11. You struggle with decision-making.
If you agonise over even small decisions, fearing you’ll make the wrong choice, it could be a sign of low self-esteem. This indecisiveness often comes from a lack of trust in your own judgment.
12. You’re overly self-conscious in social situations.
Feeling constantly on edge in social settings, worried about what other people think of you, is a common sign of low self-esteem. This hyper-awareness can make social interactions stressful and unsatisfying.
13. You have a negative body image.
Persistent dissatisfaction with your appearance, despite what anyone else says, can indicate low self-esteem. This negative body image often extends beyond just looks to a general sense of unworthiness.
14. You settle for less than you deserve.
Whether in relationships, jobs, or life in general, if you consistently settle for less than you want or deserve, it might be due to low self-esteem. You might feel you don’t deserve better or aren’t capable of achieving more.
15. You struggle to express your needs and opinions.
If you find it difficult to voice your thoughts or ask for what you need, it could be a sign of low self-esteem. This reluctance often comes from a fear of rejection or belief that your needs aren’t important.
