How can you build up low self esteem?

Try to work towards realising that you have value and good qualities. Treat yourself with kindness and don't be so hard on yourself, we are our worst critics and it's easy to fall into self-hate, especially if we've been bullied or abused in the past. You can even take up volunteering, because helping someone else not only offers a distraction but it also affirms that we are good for something and that we have strengths that are needed. You can also try to make a list and stick this up somewhere to remind yourself, and keep reminding yourself because you might deny or ignore your efforts at first. However, in time when you become less critical of yourself and more patient, you'll see that you're only human and even if you make mistakes, you still deserve to be happy and valued. Having family or friends around you for support will also raise your confidence level.

This is such a difficult but worthwhile thing to do for yourself. Each of us is different and there, sadly, is not one fits all cure. So, it depends on what works for you. For me, personally, it took a long time, and it is still a work in progress. I tried mantras early on and they didn't work for me, so I decided on trying little self-care acts from me to me. I started to teach myself that spending time, effort or money on myself was not a waste, I was worth it. I started walking which, personally, I don't really like, but I do like how I feel after walking. I did little kind things, even down to saying no to other people's requests. As you evolve, you will find that things that didn't work in the beginning, start to work for you. Like mantras are now working for me to continue to build my self-esteem and confidence. Find what is right for you, and if something doesn't work, try something else. Small steps will still get you where you want to go :) I really wish you well on your journey, you will never regret putting time and effort into your self-esteem.

One thing that really helps is treating yourself the way you’d treat a friend. If your friend said, “I’m not good enough,” you wouldn’t agree. You’d remind them of their strengths. Start talking to yourself that way, even if it feels awkward at first. Your inner voice matters. Another habit that helped me is keeping a “small wins” journal—just 2–3 things I did well each day. They don’t have to be big: “I spoke up in class,” or “I took a walk even though I didn’t feel like it.” Over time, these little victories build a more honest and positive picture of who you are. Also, try spending time with people who lift you up, not tear you down. And be patient. Self-esteem grows like a muscle. It doesn’t happen overnight, but with kindness and consistency, it will happen.