Low self-esteem in teen girls can range from expected, to deceptive, to downright dangerous. Of course it’s normal and expected for most teenagers to suffer blows to their self-esteem and identity. The degree to which it affects them, or the duration of the struggle can take the issues of self-esteem to more serious level. Unfortunately, many parents dismiss low self-esteem as normal or “just a phase,” when the repercussions can be more harmful than they realize. When is low-self esteem a problem? Can low self-esteem be fixed? Can fixing low self-esteem prevent or fix depression in teen girls?
Teen Self-Esteem
Self-esteem is the degree to which we like and value ourselves as individuals. It’s completely natural for teens, especially teen girls, to question their value and experience lower self-esteem as they go through the changes and challenges of puberty. However, many teen girls allow this low self-esteem to persist, and it can grow worse and worse. The inability to perceive one’s own inherent value and to fail to attach self-worth to her own traits and features may lead to depression, anxiety, and reckless behaviors. It’s not uncommon for teen girls with low self-esteem to seek comfort and approval from other sources, such as friend groups, boys, or activities that will only damage her future.
Self-Esteem and Depression
Numerous studies have linked self-esteem and depression. In particular, children and teens with lower self-esteem are at much higher risk to develop depression as adults, which tends to be more permanent and dangerous (Brown 1990). Many reasons are thought to cause this including lack of resilience, inaccurate self-perception, and especially in girls – body objectification. In turn, depression limits a teen’s ability to improve or repair their low self-esteem, causing a vicious cycle that can be destructive.
Are the with higher self-esteem immune from the challenges of depression or anxiety? Of course there are biological, mental, and other external factors that contribute to depression and anxiety. And it is important to note that it’s normal for teens to experience bouts of lower self-esteem.
Increasing Self-Esteem
Much of the effort in teen psychology and depression research is tackling the issue of self-esteem. Helping teens develop healthier self-esteem will decrease the risk of depression and anxiety, as well as the incidence of drug use, criminality, and reckless sexual behaviors during the fragile teen years.
This is easier said than done. If you’re a parent of a teen with low self-esteem the first step is to recognize it. Then begin using every opportunity that comes your way to help your child see their value and positive contributions. With girls it’s also critical to address body objectification. If you find that your daughter’s low self esteem has spiraled into depression or other behaviors that threaten her future, you may need more serious help at a residential treatment center to get her back on track. The effort will be well worth it as she can develop healthier self-esteem and decrease the risk of adult depression.
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Eric Allred was born and raised in Rigby, Idaho. He grew up on a family farm where he learned the value of work. He graduated from Rigby High School and attended Rick’s College, now known as BYU-Idaho. He received his bachelor’s degree in journalism from Utah State University, received a master’s degree in organizational behavior and human relations from the University of Phoenix and a second master’s degree in marital and family therapy from Phillips Graduate Institute. Eric has been involved in Rotary and was president of a local Rotary Club. He enjoys being with his family and doing outdoor activities such as fly fishing.
Chase was very fortunate to start in this industry as a struggling 17 year old kid looking for a mentor and something to be passionate about. Wilderness therapy was Chase’s first stop in this industry and was truly a transcendental experience for him. Chase has an enormous love for this line of work and the power that it has in creating change in everyone involved. Chase’s biggest belief is the power a mentor, strong, healthy relationships, and accountability can have on anyone, especially youth. Taking a very relational approach to his work, Chase has always been very relatable to the students he works with. Being able to understand and relate to a vast variety of the same struggles as a lot of the students he works with has been able to help him continue to grow, learn, and teach. Chase believes that with great rapport and trust, he can use his experience to continue to coach and train new staff, and has the ability to find those staff with the passion for this industry, and help them grow. His love and passion can be felt the moment you talk with Chase about this industry and he passes that on to others he works with. In his spare time you will find Chase cheering for the Eagles, Yankees, and Mavericks, hanging out with his brother, learning more about Eastern Psychology, and continuing to grow and learn.