Conquering the Issue of
Low Self-Esteem in
Teens and Adolescents

Adolescence can be a difficult time, full of growth and changes. Not only are things changing but they are also developing, and one of the most important things that is continuing to develop is your teen’s self-esteem. Teenagers and adolescents can begin to suffer from low self-esteem when their bodies are out of sync with how they think they “should” look.

An adolescent’s body experiences changes that are not always perfectly timed which can be upsetting and complicate an already difficult period of growth and development.

Many individuals between the age of 11 and 18 feel that something is “wrong” with their bodies. Many feel they are too fat, too skinny, too tall, too short, too pimpley…. The list goes on. Whatever the message of “not being enough”, it can wreak havoc on a young person’s self-esteem.

Adolescent Brains vs. Adult Brains

The McLean Hospital in Belmont, Massachusetts conducted a study using MRIs (Magnetic resonance imaging) to compare brain activity between teens and adults. The study showed that when teens process information, they use the amygdala, the part of the brain responsible for intuitive thinking. On the other hand, for the same task and stimuli, adults use the frontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for reason and planning. Then, as teens grow older, they begin to use the amygdala less and the frontal cortex more.

In part, this illustrates how the adolescent brain processes information differently, leading adolescents to react more based off of emotion than their adult counterparts. This could perhaps be why in some situations a teenagers will interpret an adult’s innocent comments as a sign of disapproval.

The Effects of Low Self-Esteem

Current studies also show that up to 50% of adolescents suffer from low self-esteem. This statistic is startling, though low self-esteem can develop for a variety of reasons. It does not help that our society is constantly bombarded with airbrushed pictures of beautiful and invariably slim individuals. This is not helpful, though it certainly is NOT the only cause for lowered self-esteem.

Adolescents and teens with low self-esteem are more vulnerable to depression, anorexia nervosa, delinquency, self-harm, and suicide. They are more likely to perform poorly in school and have difficulties in relationships.

Adolescents with low self-esteem usually avoid attention to themselves, and they often assume a posture that suggests shame and embarrassment. Conversely, some teenagers can act out in an effort to attract attention and elicit affirmation of their worth.

Changing the Narrative

Low self-esteem can be painful and paralyzing for young people and it is important to seek help so that they can build a better, more realistic image of themselves.

If you think your child is suffering from low self-esteem, take the first step to help them develop a healthy sense of self and give Carolina Counseling Services – Fayetteville, NC a call. With the right therapist teenagers can define the causes of their lowered self-esteem, learn how to build a more positive view of self and face the future with confidence and optimism. Call today and schedule your child’s first appointment.

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