Self-esteem, the respect for oneself and one’s abilities, is a crucial factor in decision-making, job performance and relating with others. For people in the military, self-image can be a critical foundation for behavior during times of stress, particularly during a mission. This can place pressure on families. Family members may feel the need to understand their soldier, but they may also be working to build a healthy self-image in the midst of PCS, deployments and many other challenges.

The Challenge: Being There for the Family

It can be easy for military spouses and children to succumb to low self-esteem having so many challenges in their lives caused by PCS, deployments and the many consequent adjustments associated with all of the demands of military life. Being away from your spouse and/or having to separate from familiar places, people and support systems can be very stressful.

Through it all, you may feel the need to be resilient for your children, who just like you, can be saddled with so many changes and adjustments. Losing their old school and friends, and the prospect of finding new ones while trying to “fit in” may seem trivial to an adult, though these factors may negatively impact your child’s self-esteem. Recovering from a negative concept of oneself may require resolving factors contributing to low self-esteem. A parent who is also adjusting may find it difficult to attend to their children’s insecurities.

Building a Positive Self-image

If you are a military spouse/parent dealing low self-esteem, you may need a support system of your own. You may need assistance in understanding your own self-image in order to make any changes you feel are necessary and develop a more positive view of yourself. Once this has been accomplished you may find it easier to help your children and understand your spouse. Speaking with a counselor to resolve these concerns and to face the challenges of a military life could help tremendously.

Sessions with a counselor can provide you with input that can help you or your loved ones change mistaken beliefs about self-attributed inadequacies and/or lack of capabilities. With support, you may even be able to help your loved ones evaluate their own view of self. Remember that your encouragement may be crucial.

Taking the First Step

Low self-esteem can interfere with the building of healthy relationships with family, friends and other important people in your life. It can even keep you from achieving life goals and/or realizing your full potential.

Help yourself, and/or your family, by taking the first step toward recovery; call Carolina Counseling Services – Fayetteville, NC. Licensed, independently contracted professional counselors can assist you (or your loved ones) in developing a healthy self-image so that you and your family can have a happier and healthier tomorrow.

Related Articles:

• The Relationship Between Low Self-Esteem and Depression
• Improving Self-Esteem- How to Feel Better About Yourself
• Going Beyond Low Self-Esteem
• Conquering the Issue of Low Self-Esteem in Teens and Adolescents
• Building the Healthy Self-Image and Letting Go of Low Self-Esteem