Carol Zuniga, MS, LLP, CEO of Hegira Health, Inc.
February 2023
As we roll into February, it’s impossible to miss the heart-shaped cards and red boxes of chocolates that remind us Valentine’s Day is around the corner.
As we don our red sweaters and hang our cupids in our windows, it’s a time that we focus on relationships and romantic love. It is less known that February is also International Boost Self-Esteem Month, when people across the globe focus on the importance of self-esteem. The alignment of the two events makes February the ideal time to explore the importance that self-esteem plays in our abilities to develop and engage in healthy, fulfilling relationships.
You may have low self-esteem if
You frequently engage in negative self-talk, reject compliments from others and belittle yourself, outwardly or in your thoughts.
You are harsh in your comparison of yourself to others and cannot say how you contribute or are a positive addition to the people or activities around you.
You frequently choose doing something for someone else that hurts or diminishes you.
You hesitate to speak your thoughts because you don’t believe that your ideas have value to others.
You have a frequent need to prove yourself and may engage in activities that you would otherwise not do to prove to others your importance.
Fear of making a mistake or failure, stops you from doing things that you really want to do.
You accept when others hurt you because you don’t deserve better.
Fears that you are not worthy of or that others will hurt you stops you from starting new relationships.
We want to hear from you
Do you have questions about mental health or substance use or would like to see a particular topic covered in the monthly Hegira Health column?
Send us an email at askhegira@hegirahealth.org.
About the author
Carol Zuniga, MS, LLP, CEO of Hegira Health, Inc. is a licensed psychologist with more than 30 years’ experience in the healthcare industry. Hegira Health, Inc., is a leading provider of behavioral healthcare services with clinic locations in Western Wayne and the Downriver communities. Visit www.hegirahealth.org.