How to Improve Self Esteem.

The following is a framework for hope in the issue of low self esteem and is not inclusive of all the information or all the answers or possibilities in this issue.

Achieving confidence and higher self esteem by an individual begins in the womb, with genetic factors, treatment of the pregnant woman (his/her mother) by her spouse, significant other, family, friends, coworkers, etc; and proper prenatal care proved the to mother (from Psychiatrist B. Houk, MD, 1990 - 2006; National Self Esteem Organization http://www.self-esteem-nase.org/research.shtml, 2006; APA, 2006).

Abusive or otherwise dysfunctional persons and/or those with SMDs (Severe Mental Disorders)can adversely affect the fetus prenatally with their inappropriate interactions with the mother, and a lack of proper care to the mother and fetus can result in low birth weight and other conditions that produce lower self confidence and self esteem scores in psychometric testing during the individual's lifetime (Houk, 2006).

Post partum, the newborn must bond with the mother fully and in the most positive ways during the first three months of life in order to become psychologically stable and physically healthy. Abusers and those with SMDs that interfere with this bond establishment through 90 days post partum are likely to adversely affect the infant as much or more-so than malnutrition and, of course, child abuse/neglect itself. This is because the central nervous system is still developing and making connections, and the interference by inappropriate behaviors directed toward mother and child can interrupt this process with the results being untreatable, neurologically-based personality disorders and SMDs in the child. Please note that Third World nations seclude the mother and child together for at least the first three months of life (often with positive female and even male helpers), and some industrialized societies use this method of bonding in certain regions (ibid.).

The above information can be used to PREVENT low self esteem, if they will be adopted by families prenatally. Education, training, and personal/community support can help toward this end.

All this being said, there is much abuse among Americans and initially healthy infants may grow up in abusive homes and develop low self esteem as a result. In addition, the rise of bullyism in America and Canada has produced anti-abuse and anti-bully campaigns (Canada: Bully Beware campaign). While prevention is preferable, TREATMENT then becomes necessary for these children and adults who were maltreated according the the American Psychological Association (APA, 2006; Houk,1990-2006.)

Treatment may include classes at schools to educate youth and children about abuse and self esteem, awareness classes in the community, Public Health initiatives, support groups, parenting classes, churches, individual and group counseling (especially for Post Traumatic Stress arising from abuse), and even medications if appropriate. The justice system at times must also be involved.

Certainly, lower self esteem can be a problem for healthy individuals from time to time for a number of reasons, including losing a job, dovirce, a series of failed business ventures, etc. These people, too, can benefit form support, and even treatment if their negative feelings hold them back significantly or long term in any sphere of life.

It is important to have some close friends, human contact of a positive nature, and activities such as hobbies, sports, and/or work that can reinforce self esteem and provide tasks that lead to tangible successes that the person with lower self esteem can recognize and use to feel good about him(her)self. Prejudice and bigotry need to be erased from our society as well.

Lower self esteem is a major problem in American society, and the above information provides some level of hope for solutions.