Self-Esteem

Good self-esteem means self-respect and a feeling of basic goodness about oneself. Low self-esteem can mean constant self-doubt and self-criticism, social anxiety and isolation, suppressed anger, loneliness and shame.

Our self-esteem develops during childhood and certain experiences may interfere with it. For example: being criticized by parents, stigmatized for unusual appearance or behaviors or for your race or class – and missing out on experiences that would foster a sense of confidence and purpose

Even a well-developed self-esteem can be challenged by sudden life changes or perceived failures - such as losing a job, ending a marriage, having legal or financial troubles, struggling with addiction or mental illness, having children with emotional troubles, medical ailments - and other events that might cause us to question our worth or value. Families By Design can help put such events in perspective and support our strengths to increase resilience, social support and hope.