Dealing with Self-esteem Issues in Youth

Young people with a low self-esteem, cannot view themselves anyway, except for where they are now.  They believe how they are will always be, and there is nothing they can do about it.  The reason they think this way is attributed to their low self-esteem.  In other words, they have a low self-esteem, do not think they are worthy, thus; feeling unworthy causes continued low self-esteem.  A cycle that is repeated in our youth of today.  People who work with youth, can help them break the cycle, by helping them enhance their self-worth.

One way to help youth overcome their negative feelings about themselves, is to help them identity who they are, their self-image.  In doing this, youth will begin to answer the question “Who Am I”, and assess themselves.  They will begin to think about who they are, focusing on what they think and not what others think.  Once they can describe themselves, they will be able to entertain the thought of change, and realize change involves changing their way about how they think about themselves.

Youth can begin to make changes, when they begin to look at who they are in terms of personality, appearance, and relationships.  What are their likes and dislikes? How do they respond to others? How do they feel about how they look?  Who is the real person, and who is the person they would like to become.  In helping youth do a self-assessment, youth need to identify their weaknesses, as well as, their strengths.  What are their areas of weakness?  What can the youth do to change these areas to strengths.

Youth can make changes in their self-esteem by doing self-talks of encouragement.  Instead of identifying negative things about themselves, they can focus on the positive.  For instance, telling themselves, they look great in that outfit, or they did well at soccer practice, or I can earn a better grade.  A positive outlook on life will minimize the effects of a low self-esteem, and help challenge youth to become more creative, in terms of their lifestyle.  They may want to make changes in the day to day routines, and become involved in other positive activities. 

Youth with low self-esteem, shy away from the unknown, and remain in their comfort zone.  They need to be encouraged to try new things.  Role models can be effective in helping youth realize their limitations, are self-imposed limitations.  Role models can introduce them to new things, and help them find needed resources.  Role models can help the youth develop untapped talents. 

Body language sends non-verbal communication to others about how one feels about oneself.  Youth with low self-esteem, usually slouches, mumble, and refrain from eye to eye contact.   Exercises to enhance social behavior can help the youth in this area.  There may be programs at the local YMCA or Boys and Girls Center, which teaches establishing and maintaining eye contact, appropriate posture, how to respond when entering a room, voice tone,  assertiveness, and etc.

Another avenue to enhance the self-esteem in youth, is role playing or enrolling them in the local theatre.  Role playing and acting involves focusing on the character.  If the youth can focus playing another person, he or she will be able to identify their behavior, and focus on the weak areas of their personality.

Changing behaviors is vital to the enhancement of a youth’s self esteem, and requires commitment and determination.  Youth with low self-esteem need encouragement from others, in addition to, the tools to help them make the changes to grow to become well adjusted productive citizens.