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How to Help a Person With Low Self-Esteem

Max. D Gray
By Max. D Gray. Updated: January 16, 2017
How to Help a Person With Low Self-Esteem

When a person has low self-esteem they are usually insecure, uncertain of their abilities and feel unable to make decisions for fear of making mistakes. It is difficult to help a person with this kind of emotional problem, because they usually need the approval of others, they have a distorted image of their appearance and of their personal qualities. In this OneHowTo.com article, we'll show how to help a person with low self-esteem.

You may also be interested in: How to Boost Your Self-Esteem and Confidence
Steps to follow:
1

Although you cannot change the feelings of a person with low self-esteem, you can provide support for that person so that they slowly gain confidence, begin to see things differently and ultimately feel a little better about themselves. To help that person you need patience and to remember that your support will be effective if the person is receptive and willing to change. If the person you care has neglected themselves, it's time to get down to contribute to making positive changes in their perception of themselves.

2

The most important thing to help a person with low self-esteem is to be by their side, being someone they can count on at any time. They should feel loved, respected and be in a trusted environment. So that they know that you're there for them and that your support is unconditional, remind them with gestures and with words. You should also be able to listen carefully whenever they talk and make them see that their opinion matters. Their problems are serious, and you should never underestimate the power of helping them to find solutions - to find the silver lining whenever possible.

How to Help a Person With Low Self-Esteem - Step 2
3

Try to help the person in question see things with a sense of humor, without undermining the seriousness of their problems. You can really give them a hand at getting better by helping them see the funny or humorous side of the mistakes or difficulties of life. However, avoid any mockery or belittling remarks. It's just a way of reducing the importance of the problem, as opposed to removing the problem completely. Do not ridicule them or crack a joke each time they reveal their feelings as it could backfire. Help them reinforce their strengths without giving empty compliments in the hope of lifting their spirits all the time. A nice compliment at the right time can be great for someone's self-esteem. You must also take their achievements seriously.

How to Help a Person With Low Self-Esteem - Step 3
4

You should motivate and encourage them with any projects they are involved in. A person with low self-esteem rarely engages in projects they are interest in, for fear of failure. Give reasons for them to bite the bullet and get involved in what they love, downplaying fears and encouraging them to think rationally and to focus on the positive.

How to Help a Person With Low Self-Esteem - Step 4
5

Besides being a good source of support, try to share pleasant experiences with that person which will serve as a distraction. Have fun doing things together to distract your friend and stop them thinking only in their own problems and insecurities. You can also help them to integrate, to feel important and special in the lives of others. When someone has low self-esteem, they tend to think they're no use to anyone, that they are not part of other people's lives. Therefore, include that person in your circle of friends, invite them to events and involve them in activities with other people.

How to Help a Person With Low Self-Esteem - Step 5
6

For some useful resources and to be able to help your friend overcome their issues, we recommend reading the following articles: How to boost your self-esteem and confidence and how to raise your spirits when you're feeling down.

This article is merely informative, oneHOWTO does not have the authority to prescribe any medical treatments or create a diagnosis. We invite you to visit your doctor if you have any type of condition or pain.

If you want to read similar articles to How to Help a Person With Low Self-Esteem, we recommend you visit our Mental health category.

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