How to recover from low self-esteem A feeling of being unacceptable in a fundamental way

Do I matter?

Invalidating experiences Cruel or indifferent behavior Feelings ignored or minimized

Invalidating experiences Emotional pain treated with indifference Not Being protected

Self-worth vs. Self-esteem Self esteem is built on a foundation of self worth Internalized self worth = Stable Self-esteem Failure to internalize Self-worth = Low self-esteem

Conclusion: Loveable or un-loveable

Anxieties from diminished sense of self

Fear of confirming one’s inadequacy Relentless pursuit of success Fear of failure

Fear of confirming one’s inadequacy Procrastination

Fear of confirming one’s inadequacy Denying weakness

Fear of exposing one’s true self Self-consciousness and sensitivity Superficial relationships Resulting in feeling disconnected and alone

Fear of loosing one’s achievements Imposter and fraud External attributions of success Fails to reach potential

Fear of abandonment Belief of being bad and undeserving Fear of rejection Sabotaging relationships

Cycle of negative self-image What are my self-defeating behaviors? How do people react when I act this way? How do I feel in response to their actions? What do I believe about myself and then how do I act?

Self-defeating behaviors Hyper-vigilance

Self defeating behaviors Low Threshold for perceiving insult Viewing mistakes as unacceptable Attribution of accomplishments to external factors

Self defeating behaviors Compulsion to please

Self-defeating behaviors Need for external validation

Self-defeating behaviors A tendency to engage in controlling behaviors A tendency to mask difficult emotions

How to recover from low self-worth Acknowledge insecurity Recognize your particular self-defeating behaviors

How To Recover From Low Self-Worth Find the courage to take the opposite action despite emotional discomfort

Prepare to leave the nest A psycho-educational program from college and adulthood www.preparetoleavethenest.com