Am I Experiencing Low Self-Esteem?
A symptom checklist to help clients reflect on self-worth and consider whether further psychological support may be beneficial.
Am I Experiencing Low Self-Esteem?
Low self-esteem means having a consistently negative opinion of yourself. If you have low self-esteem, you might feel shy or anxious around other people, think you're not capable, or criticize yourself harshly. It can be a serious problem that affects your relationships, work, and overall wellbeing.
Many people struggle with low self-esteem, but it can be hard to recognize. The Am I Experiencing Low Self Esteem? tool explores common signs of this difficulty. Answering the questions below can give you an idea of whether it might be helpful to arrange a professional assessment.
Overview
Low self-esteem is characterized by holding oneself in low regard, often involving negative self-beliefs, self-criticism, and feelings of worthlessness. While not a formal diagnosis within DSM-5 or ICD-11, low self-esteem is frequently present alongside other mental health difficulties and can contribute to emotional distress and self-defeating behaviors. This symptom checklist provides a structured way for clients and therapists to explore whether low self-esteem may be contributing to current difficulties. It is not intended to provide a diagnosis or assess severity, but it can support early discussions about whether further evaluation is warranted.
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