1. Self-Esteem Health Miss Kilker

2. What is Self-Esteem? Self-Esteem: is a measure of how much you value, respect, and feel confident about yourself.

3. Benefits of High Self-Esteem 1. Increased Respect: Respect themselves Take care of themselves Respect their personal values, as well as the values of others They will not pressure others to participate in risky behavior 2. Increased ability to reach goals: You’re more likely to set realistic goals for yourself More likely to stick with your goals More likely to achieve their goals due to effort

4. Benefits of High Self-Esteem Continued 3. Increased willingness to try: Have the will to try new things Don’t get discouraged easily 4. Increased feelings of value: Feel they are valuable to family, school, and the community More likely to ask for help when needed More likely to volunteer and help others

5. Risks of Low Self-Esteem Vulnerable to peer pressure Lack of respect for self and others Makes risky behavior decisions More at risk for depression and suicide Often have poor mental health More critical of themselves and others

7. PEOPLE WITH LOW SELF- ESTEEM DO NOT HAVE TO EXPERIENCE THE RISKS OF LOW SELF-ESTEEM! EVERYONE HAS THE POWER TO CHOOSE HEALTHY BEHAVIORS THAT SHOW RESPECT FOR OTHERS AND THEMSELVES!

8. Characteristics of High vs. Low High Self-Esteem: Speaks up for self Respects self and others Has confidence Tries new things Feels valuable to society Adjusts to change Feels optimistic Makes decisions based on values Low Self-Esteem: Feels insecure Disrespects self and others Vulnerable to peer pressure Doesn’t feel valuable Feels depressed Fears failure Uses drugs and alcohol Feels pessimistic Behaves destructively

9. Interpreting Messages From Others – Is it really me? How you interpret messages about yourself has a lot to do with how you view yourself. Positive: “You are fun to be around.” Negative: “You always complain about everything.”

10. Constructive Criticism Some negative messages can serve as good advice. Good advice on how to improve yourself=constructive criticism Example: you’ve not been getting along with your parents, your friend may recommend meeting in the middle and cooperating a little more.

11. When Negative Messages are not Constructive Some negative messages can be hurtful, but they don’t have to lower your self-esteem. REMEMBER: self-esteem is how you feel about yourself NOT how others feel about you or what others say about you. Only YOU have the power to control your self- esteem!

12. Improve Your Self-Esteem 1. Use Positive Self-Talk The things you say to yourself strongly affects the way you see yourself We are constantly talking to ourselves, whether we realize it or not Self-talk = coaching yourself about your own self-worth. Tell yourself you’re valuable. Tell yourself your worth it. Tell yourself you can do what you set out to do.

13. Improve Your Self-Esteem 2. Act with integrity: Integrity is the characteristic of doing what one knows is right. Live by the values and beliefs you believe in.

14. Improve Your Self-Esteem 3. Choose supportive friends: It’s easier to treat yourself well if the people you know also speak well of you. Avoid critical, disrespectful people.

15. Improve Your Self-Esteem 4. Accept yourself: People with high self- esteem do not think they are perfect. They see all their imperfections and still think of themselves as valuable.