How Does Self Esteem Relate to Depression?

There are many experts who believe that poor self esteem is directly correlated to depression. Frankly if you don’t feel good about yourself, don’t believe in yourself and you live like this for any length of time you are bound to become depressed. I don’t know if we really need a lot of scientific research and testing to verify this scenario; seems like a little common sense will be all it takes to show us the relationship between the two.

When someone has poor self esteem they tend to withdraw from life and everyone around them. They separate themselves and live in their own world, which they believe to be safe. However as they sit there and watch television, or listen to the radio they find that there are many things they are missing out on. If they still do have friends who care about them they may end up pushing them away because they feel unworthy. When this goes on long enough it becomes a self fulfilling prophecy. The friends eventually leave, which just reinforces what the person thought originally, namely that they are not good enough for others to like and be around.

For some people this starts out at a relatively young age. In junior high school or high school there is a lot of peer pressure. Even the athletes or ‘jocks’ need someone to pick on to show how tough they really are. This applies to both genders, not just for the guys.

When the person becomes the victim they allow the others to pick on them. At the time, they may not have enough awareness and understanding to know that the bullies are really insecure and need someone to pick on.  As time goes on the victim falls more and more into the depth of depression since all they hear from those around them is how inferior and worthless they are.

Teenagers for the most part believe they are what they are based on what others tell them. Many of them do not have the self awareness to believe in themselves and so look to their peers for input as to what their worth is. This process is very critical during any transition, such as going from junior high to high school or high school to college. Many are not prepared for the change that occurs from being the upper class man to then becoming the freshman and having to start all over again.

While I have been talking about adolescents here the same applies to adults. As adults we face other situations, but they can often be very similar in nature. Like the new employee who gets picked on by the veteran workers. How much of that goes on and how do people react or respond to it. Again those with a healthy positive self image and self esteem will handle the situation well. Those who have low self esteem and do not think much of themselves will flounder and succumb to the bullies.

I believe we’ve illustrated the point succinctly. There is a definite connection between a low self-esteem and depression. These conditions make for a very unhappy and unfulfilled life. Individuals feeling this way should seek medical guidance and get help as quickly as possible. There is a wonderful life to be lived out there; sometimes we just need a little help in getting started back on the right path.