Wellbeing Guide: Self-esteem

A healthy level of individual self-esteem is the foundation for emotional, physical and social well-being. People who value themselves and who recognise their own skills are likely to live fulfilling and rewarding lives and will tend to attract genuine liking and respect from others. Conversely, low levels of self-esteem have been linked with such personal and social concerns as school failure, depression, social anxiety, violence and substance abuse. Helping Adolescents and Adults to Build Self-Esteem follows on from the widely acclaimed Helping Children to Build Self-Esteem. It is filled with simple, practical and innovative ideas for supporting the development and maintenance of healthy self-esteem. Based on the author's clinical experience, the easy-to-use photocopiable activity sheets encourage participants to draw on existing skills and to develop new approaches to building confidence and feelings of self-worth. These exercises are suitable for work with individuals and with groups, and will prove an indispensable aid to building self-esteem in adolescents and adults.