MENTAL HEALTH

Self-Esteem Masterpost Part III: Types of Self-Esteem.

I touched briefly upon the types of self-esteem in the first part. The third, and final, part of this masterpost will go into more detail.

HIGH SELF-ESTEEM:

People with a healthy level of self-esteem: 

·         Firmly believe in certain values and principles, and are ready to defend them even when finding opposition, feeling secure enough to modify them in light of experience.

·         Are able to act according to what they think to be the best choice, trusting their own judgment, and not feeling guilty when others do not like their choice. 

·         Do not lose time worrying excessively about what happened in the past, nor about what could happen in the future. They learn from the past and plan for the future, but live in the present intensely. 

·         Fully trust in their capacity to solve problems, not hesitating after failures and difficulties. They ask others for help when they need it. 

·         Consider themselves equal in dignity to others, rather than inferior or superior, while accepting differences in certain talents, personal prestige or financial standing. 

·         Understand how they are an interesting and valuable person for others, at least for those with whom they have a friendship. 

·         Resist manipulation, collaborate with others only if it seems appropriate and convenient. 

·         Admit and accept different internal feelings and drives, either positive or negative, revealing those drives to others only when they choose. 

·         Are able to enjoy a great variety of activities. 

·         Are sensitive to feelings and needs of others; respect generally accepted social rules, and claim no right or desire to prosper at others' expense. 

·         Can work toward finding solutions and voice discontent without belittling themselves or others when challenges arise.

Secure and defensive self-esteem:

Secure high self-esteem is when a person can remain confident with themselves when they are not receiving reassurance from others. People with defensive self-esteem will have high self-esteems, but their positivity is tender and fragile. These people are vulnerable to critique – they internalise self-doubts and insecurities, causing negative reactions to any criticism they may receive. They will require constant positive feedback from others to maintain their sense of self-worth – this can, however, lead to boastfulness, arrogance, and perhaps even violence, if anyone was to question their worth.