How to help someone with low self-esteem?

Question

Ok, this is really a theoretical question, but how would you go about helping someone with chronically low self-esteem? As a friend, or a lover, or a family member?

Answer 1

a make-over...

i'm no psychology expert, but I'd imagine that new clothes or haircut or clean shave would be a start to feeling more confident.

Answer 2

Just be really nice.  Don't say anything that may offend them.  Also don't joke around by saying something mean.  Ask questions about that person's life.  Compliment that person on their clothes or something interesting they did.  Pretend (or actually be) interested in that person's life.  And that my friend, may actually make a difference in their life.

Answer 3

Pray for them diligently! Encourage them and show them their best qualities!

Answer 4

take time to be with them, and give em lots of compliments. but u gotta make it sound natural. tell them God loves them, pray for them.

Answer 5

Is the glass half full or half empty?

In others words, "What you choose to see, so shall it be...

We are the gatekeepers of our own image.

So, to simply answer your question,

THIS PERSON CAN ONLY HELP THEIR SELF...

There is "nothing" someone can say, or do, to convince this type of person into having higher self-esteem.

They must convince their own self.

Somehow, in their own mind, they must change the way they see their self. The person with low self-esteem sees their self through the eyes of others (and I must say) that other people’s opinions about you will always change, but your opinion about "you" can always stay the same.  All a person has to do is see the truth, and believe it. The truth is that we are perfect, and unique. There is no one like you on this big planet. In your life time, you will knowingly and unknowingly inspire people around you, simply by being yourself. You are powerful.

Low self-esteem is a “mind game” that people play on their self. The way we see our self is like a fantasy. Some play the victim, some play the hero; I like to play the average everyday normal guy. We do not have to allow the opinions of others to determine the way we feel about our self - Why would you want to lose in your own fantasy?

My dear Watson!  I must SAY, this would be ABSURD!  

This is what the low self-esteem person must understand.

Answer 6

Low self-esteem can often be a symptom of a much deeper psychological issue.  You may not be able to help them by simply trying to compliment them more - because the image they have in their mind is much more powerful than any words someone who loves them may say.

The best way to help is to *get them help*.  If you know they've had a difficult childhood, or have had any experiences in their life that might have made them feel worthless or "disgusting" - the only obvious outward sign of that for many people is low self-esteem.  For other people, it can also show up in the form of addictions and more serious mental disorders like severe depression.

Approach them as a friend, and get to know their family history (without being too intrusive, obviously).  If you do learn that they've had a difficult childhood or traumatic event(s), you might offer to help them find a good counselor that they could simply sit down and talk to.  

Counseling is misrepresented in the media...it can be a very uplifting experience.  Far too many people go through life struggling under the weight of these sort of afflictions, like low self-esteem and low-self worth.  Never realizing that the root of those feelings come from unresolved issues from the past.  

Those events *can* be dealt with, properly mourned, and then set aside - and the associated afflictions (low self-esteem, nervous tics, stress, anger, addictions) will also go away.

Hope that helps...and I hope your friend is able to seek help, and to realize the true worth within themselves.

Best of luck,

-Ryan

Answer 7

Point Out The Attributes in that person and extended explanations on why they are worth allot as human beings.