If you are suffering from low self esteem there are plenty of methods you can use to build self esteem. However if you are feeling really low it is important that you consider if your low self esteem is being caused by depression.

Think back about how you have been feeling over the last couple of five or six weeks. Have you been feeling consistently sad, but for no apparent reason. Alternatively did something bad did happen many weeks ago but you haven’t been able to share of the feeling of sadness. If you feel that this is describing you then it may be that you are suffering from depression.

Other clues that might suggest depression to be the cause of your low self esteem are changes such as a change in appetite (both not wanting to eat at all, and wanting to eat all the time), or wanting to sleep all the time, or waking early all the time and not being able to get back to sleep. Maybe you feel tearful a lot of the time, or have a loss of libido.

If you feel this is describing you then you are advised to do two things;

1. See your doctor for a more detailed examination. Your doctor will be able to determine if you are suffering from depression and if necessary discuss treatment options with you.
2. Make a conscious effort to do things that will make you feel better. For example, get some exercise, get outdoors and get lots of daylight, visit good friends, or just do something you used to love like go to a movie or read a good book.