More and more people are becoming aware of the fact that they may be experiencing low self esteem and looking for ways to deal with low self esteem so that they can achieve more and generally live a more fulfilling life.

Low self esteem can stem from a number of different factors including the day-to-day stresses of life itself, however people experiencing severe low self esteem usually have deeper psychological problems that are derived from their life experiences and circumstances from their adolescence to the present day.

It's important to understand that self-esteem is a mental barrier and a direct reflection of how we perceive and value ourselves both personally and also how we feel we compare to others and how others perceive us.

The problem in dealing with low self esteem is that modern medicine doesn't really have the answer, nor can the positive influences of family and friends have that much of an impact. It really is a personal battle with which you need to identify the cause and try to work around it.

As stated, for some it may stem from deeper psychological problems, for others it may be that current circumstances in their life are causing their low levels of self esteem such as being over-worked or feeling undervalued in the workplace or perhaps taking constant criticism from family members and friends.

So how to deal with low self esteem?

First you need to identify the root cause/s, admittedly this can be trickier than it sounds and will require you to really assess the goings on in your life both currently and your past experiences.

Who and what might be contributing to your feelings of low self esteem?

Be completely open with yourself, we all have things buried subconsciously that aren't always that obvious to identify but they will reveal there-self as you start putting together the pieces of the puzzle.

If your low self esteem stems from your past experiences it can have quite an emotional bearing such as abusive relationship or perhaps lack of being cared for in your youth e.t.c if this is the case then it is advisable to seek professional help.

Although I disagree with medications as they will only mask the problem there are some great therapy programs available to everyone such as C.B.T (computerized brain therapy). Your GP will be able to better assist you regarding this.

Sometimes even just talking and thrashing it out with a professional can really help to pave the way for gaining self esteem and overcoming any feelings of low self worth.

If your problems are more current and you can pinpoint them to current circumstances in your life then you really need to identify and deal with them as best you can.

For example; perhaps you're in a relationship where you're constantly being put down and made to feel worthless, this of course will lower your self esteem and will only escalate if not dealt with.

If this is the case then you need to either talk directly with whom you feel is causing these feelings of low self worth and esteem and lay down the law, this is your life and others have no right in making you feel this way!

If this is not an option then talk to people you're close to for advice and a general shoulder to lean on, it's unlikely anything they will say will boost your self esteem but they can help you make clearer judgements and assess what needs to change and how it can be changed.

There are a number of practices for overcoming low self esteem which are beyond the scope of this article but try to maintain a positive attitude, don't expect to much from yourself and stop trying to reach for perfection in everything you do a this will only add to the problem when you don't meet your own expectations.

Take the time to remind yourself and even note down the achievements you have to your name and the positive things you do on a daily basis that not only have a positive impact on your life but also the lives of others around you.