“Self-esteem relates to how we think
and feel about ourselves,
and how much value you think you have as a person”.1

Umbrella

What may the Menopause Self-Esteem Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Self-Esteem
  • Self-Image

Self-Esteem

What is self-esteem?

DotS the definition of self-esteem may vary. The (Scottish) NHS Inform’s definition is:

“Self-esteem relates to how we think and feel about ourselves, and how much value you think you have as a person. Your self-esteem can affect how you view achievements and setbacks, so if you have low self-esteem, for example, you’re likely to focus more on your setbacks than your successes. People with low self-esteem often ignore their own achievements and positive things about themselves, and criticise themselves even when there’s no reason to”.2

Self-Image

What is self-image?

DotS the definition of self-image may vary. The (United States) Cleveland Clinic’s definition is:

“Self-image is the personal view, or mental picture, that we have of ourselves. It’s like a mirror in our head that reflects how we view ourselves, and it goes beyond just physical appearance.

You can also think of self-image as an “internal dictionary” that describes your characteristics, like intelligent, beautiful, ugly, talented, selfish or kind”.3

Positive or Negative

What is a positive self-image?

The Cleveland Clinic notes:

Menopause Self-Esteem“With a positive self-image, we recognize and own our assets and potential while being realistic about our liabilities and limitations. With a negative self-image, we focus on our perceived faults and weaknesses, distorting failure and imperfections”.4

Increasing Self-Image

How may we build a healthy self-images?

In 6 Ways To Build A Healthy Self-Image: How To Build A Positive Self Image the Cleveland Clinic include:

“Here are some steps to help you assess where you are currently with your self-image:

  • Make a list of your positive qualities
  • Ask significant others to describe your positive qualities
  • Define personal goals and objectives that are reasonable and measurable
  • Identify and explore the impact of childhood labels
  • Reflect on how far you have come already in your life”.5

In Self-Esteem: Take Steps To Feel Better About Yourself – 3. Accept Your Thoughts the (United States) Mayo Clinic elaborate on steps to boost self-esteem based on cognitive behavioral therapy and steps to try based on acceptance and commitment therapy, while reminding us:

“These steps might seem awkward at first. But they’ll get easier with practice. Recognizing the thoughts and beliefs that affect low self-esteem allows you to change the way you think about them. This will help you accept your value as a person. As your self-esteem increases, your confidence and sense of well-being are likely to soar”.6

Challenging the Critic

How can we switch off the critic in our heads?

In Self-Esteem Self-Help Guide. Section 16 of 21 – 16. Challenging the Critic the NHS Inform elaborate on:

“People with low self-esteem often carry around a ‘critic’ in their heads – like an unpleasant voice repeating negative thoughts and ideas. Part of increasing your self-esteem is learning to challenge and silence that critic, and replace their voice with positive and encouraging thoughts”.7

Health Care Provider

What if I would like help with my self-esteem?

If you would like help with your self-esteem, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this. Together you can discuss your options and if required, agree on who may be the most appropriate health care provider to help you.

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Menopause Self-Esteem?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Links

Where may I find Links related to Menopause Self-Esteem?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Self-Esteem Self-Help Guide. Section 2 of 21 – 2. What Is Self-Esteem? Last Updated: 03 July 2024. NHS Inform https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/mental-health/mental-health-self-help-guides/self-esteem-self-help-guide Accessed: 06 March 2025
  2. Self-Esteem Self-Help Guide. Section 2 of 21 – 2. What Is Self-Esteem? Last Updated: 03 July 2024. NHS Inform https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/mental-health/mental-health-self-help-guides/self-esteem-self-help-guide Accessed: 06 March 2025
  3. 6 Ways To Build A Healthy Self-Image: What Is Self-Image? 01 October 2024. Cleveland Clinic https://health.clevelandclinic.org/positive-self-image Accessed: 06 March 2025
  4. 6 Ways To Build A Healthy Self-Image: What Is Self-Image? 01 October 2024. Cleveland Clinic https://health.clevelandclinic.org/positive-self-image Accessed: 06 March 2025
  5. 6 Ways To Build A Healthy Self-Image: How To Build A Positive Self-Image. 01 October 2024. Cleveland Clinic https://health.clevelandclinic.org/positive-self-image Accessed: 06 March 2025
  6. Self-Esteem: Take Steps To Feel Better About Yourself – 3. Accept Your Thoughts. 06 July 2022. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/self-esteem/art-20045374 Accessed: 06 March 2025
  7. Self-Esteem Self-Help Guide. Section 16 of 21 – 16. Challenging the Critic. Last Updated: 03 July 2024. NHS Inform https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/mental-health/mental-health-self-help-guides/self-esteem-self-help-guide Accessed: 06 March 2025
Topic Last Updated: 06 March 2025 – Topic Last Reviewed: 06 March 2025