How Low Self-Esteem Raises the Risk for Depression

People with low self-esteem are more likely to be dissatisfied with their station in life. Low self-esteem brings about feelings of worthlessness. It’s a precursor for mood problems and can create an increasing sense of hopelessness. All of these outcomes are typically observed in people with depression. Does this mean self-esteem can cause depression?

“Cause” is a strong word, but research does suggest that people with low self-esteem are more vulnerable to depressive episodes. In turn, of course, anyone with depression has a higher risk of having low self-esteem. Ultimately, what seems to matter most is that signs of low self-esteem are taken seriously because of their association with major depressive disorder.

The Connection Between Low Self-Esteem and Depression

A recent study showed evidence that the presence of chronic, measurable low self-esteem can elevate one’s risk of being diagnosed with depression by 600 percent. This also includes a greater number of thoughts of self-harm. At first, these findings may appear self-evident but the reality remains that it’s not always easy to know which came first.

Low self-esteem and depression can co-exist and feed off each other to a point where the symptoms are intertwined. But here are some important factors to consider:

• Low self-esteem breeds guilty feelings which are harbingers of despair.
• The sources of low self-esteem can lie in childhood trauma or neglect.
• Self-esteem is a demonstration of what we believe about ourselves. When self-esteem is low, it will manifest as an early sign of a depressed mood.
• Low self-esteem often leads to black-and-white thinking. If your default setting is to expect the worst-case scenario, it can become fertile ground for a mood disorder.
• All of the above is a recipe for cognitive distortion in which a person’s expectations are negative and self-sabotaging. This can become a self-fulfilling prophecy and again, increase the risk of depression.

How to Improve Your Self-Esteem Even When You Have Depression

If low self-esteem raises your risk for depression, it makes sense to find healthy ways to boost your self-esteem. Such steps might include:

Commit to Self-Care

This is as fundamental as it gets. Taking care of your sleep habits, eating choices, etc. will have a palpable positive impact on your well-being. In addition, when you make yourself a priority, you are challenging the low self-esteem cycle. It’s a reminder that you have worth and value.

Shut Down Negativity

Sure, this is easier said than done but here are two suggestions:

• Talk Back to Your Inner Critic: A thought is not a fact so demand evidence when your inner monologue talks badly about you.
• Seek Out the Positive: This is tricky in the age of doom scrolling, so seek ways to make your environment a positive oasis. For starters, don’t automatically reach for your phone upon waking each day.
• Gratitude Journal: Keep track of all the big and small moments that caused you to smile and feel grateful. Refer to this journal as often as needed.

Aim For Your Own Approval

In a world of selfies, likes, and notifications, believing joy comes from external sources can be tempting. It’s one thing to enjoy the approval of loved ones, but chasing social media love is a one-way ticket to a bad mood.

Get the Help You Deserve

Depression can have a serious impact on your mental health. Do not shrug it off as a case of the blues. Connect with an experienced therapist who can help you understand your feelings and how they affect your life. You can thrive again and it all begins with a simple phone call, so schedule an appointment for depression counseling with us soon.