Time and time again we meet incredible clients at Lifespan Psychology who have achieved amazing things in their lives but also lack self-esteem and self-belief. This is usually because of deeper core issues from childhood or relationships which made the person feel stupid, inferior, not good enough, like you don’t belong or like an imposter.

Early life experiences often play a significant role, as childhood shapes the core beliefs we carry into adulthood. Experiences such as bullying, abuse, punishment, or difficulty fitting in can create a negative foundation for how a person views themselves and others. Later in life, ongoing stressors such as financial pressures, illness, or injury can also contribute to low self-esteem, especially when these challenges are prolonged and overwhelming.

Low self-esteem can interfere with how a person views themselves and interprets their experiences. People may struggle to recognise their strengths or positive qualities and instead focus on their mistakes or perceived failures. These negative beliefs are often irrational, they can lead to emotional instability.

Someone with low self-esteem may react to achievements by downplaying the positives and fixating on what went wrong, which can contribute to feelings of depression, anxiety, guilt, or even aggression.