5 Common Signs of Low Self-Esteem Caused by Depression

Self-esteem and depression are two constructs that are extremely intertwined. In many cases, they can often lead to each other—this means that low self-esteem can lead to depression and vice versa. Understanding the relationship between the two can be the key to finding the right therapist for your needs and improving your mental health and wellbeing. 

In this article, we will explore the 5 most common symptoms of low self-esteem caused by depression, and discuss effective ways to address them effectively. 

Also read: How Do I Talk To Someone About My Depression Or Anxiety?

What is self-esteem? 

In essence, self-esteem is how we perceive and think about ourselves. We all have moments where we criticise ourselves and judge ourselves negatively. However, if you perceive yourself negatively almost all the time, then it might be a sign that you have low self-esteem. 

How does depression look like? 

Depression is a tough and overwhelming experience that affects many people. It can make you feel sad, hopeless, and worthless, and can take away the joy from activities you once enjoyed. It can also cause problems with sleep, concentration, and appetite.

Depression can range from mild to severe, and treatment is available. Treatment usually involves a combination of therapy and medication. One of the most common forms of therapy used to treat depression includes Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). It focuses on identifying and changing negative thoughts and behaviours that may be contributing to depression. Medication, like antidepressants, can help restore the balance of chemicals in the brain that affect mood.

Also read: 7 Tips to Deal With Seasonal Depression

How does depression cause low self-esteem?

Depression is a mental health condition that can have a huge influence on how you think about yourself. It causes you to have negative and intrusive thoughts about yourself, and can lead to feelings of inadequacy, hopelessness, and worthlessness. These thoughts can be very hard to shake, and it might even feel like it is very real. These feelings result in negative self-talk (negative things that you repeatedly tell yourself), which further damage your self-esteem. 

Depression can also drastically affect your motivation and productivity levels. This can lead to difficulty in the ability to achieve your goals and taking care of yourself, which can further lead to lower self-esteem. Additionally, depression also causes you to have difficulty in feeling joy and pleasure, which can lead to further dissatisfaction and low self-esteem. 

All these factors can contribute to a cycle of negative thoughts and feelings, further deepening depression and lowering self-esteem. 

Also read: How a Psychiatrist Can Help You Overcome Depression

5 Common Signs of Low Self-Esteem Caused by Depression

Difficulty accepting compliments and positive feedback

People with low self-esteem often underestimate themselves and think that they are not good at what they do. So, when someone compliments them, they might find it difficult to accept the compliment. They may feel that they do not deserve it or that the person complimenting them is just being nice or kind. In most cases, they have internalised the negative thoughts they have about themselves, and may find it hard to accept any kind of positive feedback. 

Having a hard time setting and achieving goals

Low self-esteem and depression can severely affect a person’s confidence and their ability to believe in themselves. Depression is also notorious for draining a person’s motivation and making them feel like they will not be able to finish something—further worsening a person’s self-esteem. They might also set unrealistic goals and expectations, like being perfect all the time, which is not possible—inevitably leading to failure and low self-esteem. 

Inability to trust others

 Low self-esteem can make it difficult for people to trust others, as they may feel that they are not worthy of trust or that others will inevitably let them down. This can make it hard for them to form and maintain healthy relationships they have, as they are always looking for the other shoe to drop. 

Difficulty asserting oneself in social situations

When someone that has low self-esteem is in a social situation, they might find themselves not being able to assert themselves fully. They may feel that they are not worthy of being heard or that their opinions don't matter. This can lead to feelings of insecurity and anxiety, which can further exacerbate low self-esteem

Over apologising

Over-apologising can be a sign of low self-esteem and depression because it can indicate a lack of confidence in one's own actions, thoughts, and feelings. When an individual has low self-esteem, they may feel that they are not worthy or deserving of taking up space, and that their actions, thoughts, and feelings are not valid or important. This can lead them to apologise excessively, even when it is not necessary or appropriate, as a way of seeking validation and acceptance from others.

It's important to remember that low self-esteem and depression can be tough to navigate, but you are not alone. Many people struggle with these issues, and it's nothing to be ashamed of. It's normal to have moments of self-doubt and, but if it becomes a pattern, it may be a sign of deeper issues with self-worth and self-esteem.

It's okay to reach out for help and take the steps necessary to improve your mental health. You deserve to feel good about yourself and your life. Whether it's through therapy or through psychiatry support, there are many ways to address low self-esteem and depression. It may take time, but with patience and support, you can get to a place where you feel more confident, more empowered, and more at peace with yourself.