Self Esteem Issues

Whilst not all, some survivors of childhood sexual abuse have low self-esteem. Some are more able to mask this than others.

Our self-esteem is how we value and perceive ourselves. If you have low self-esteem you may feel:

• like you hate or dislike yourself
• you are worthless or not good enough
• you are unable to make decisions or assert yourself
• like no one likes you
• you blame yourself for things that aren't your fault
• guilt for spending time or money on yourself
• unable to recognise your strengths
• undeserving of happiness
• low in confidence.

If you are a survivor of CSA and have low self-esteem then the following website might be able to help you explore some of the contributing aspects and create a more positive image of who you are and how life can improve. Mind - How to Increase Your Self Esteem

If you are considering accessing counselling then this will also have an aim of exploring painful issues linked to the past and the outcome will be to improve self-esteem.

“I used to hate the child within. I blamed her for the abuse. It took me a long time, with the right help, to appreciate that she was in a position where she had to ‘just survive’ and that I needed to be proud of her. Now, I celebrate her bravery, and wear colourful clothes instead of the black (mourning) clothes I wore for decades. I feel GOOD about myself – about what I have achieved, and will go on to achieve.”