How miserable are people with low self-esteem

People with low self-esteem often face various difficulties in psychological, social, and career development, and are prone to a vicious cycle of self doubt, interpersonal tension, and opportunity loss. People with low self-esteem often exhibit excessive self-criticism, hold negative evaluations of their own abilities and values, and tend to attribute their achievements to luck rather than strength. This mindset can lead to sustained low mood, increasing the risk of anxiety and depression. In social interactions, they may avoid interpersonal interactions due to fear of rejection, or seek recognition by pleasing others, which can easily attract unhealthy controlling relationships. In the workplace, individuals with low self-esteem often underestimate their own contributions, are afraid to seek promotion opportunities, and even give up challenges due to fear of failure, resulting in long-term career stagnation. Some individuals with low self-esteem may develop defensive high self-esteem, manifested as excessive sensitivity, strong aggression, or perfectionism tendencies, maintaining a fragile sense of self-worth by belittling others. This type of behavior often leads to more serious interpersonal conflicts and isolation. In extreme cases, long-term low self-esteem may trigger self harming behavior or material dependence, becoming a breeding ground for psychological disorders. Negative education during childhood, long-term experiences of devaluation or major failures, are the main root causes of low self-esteem. Improving low self-esteem requires systematic psychological intervention, which can be achieved through cognitive-behavioral therapy to correct self denying thinking and establish an objective self-evaluation system. In daily life, you can try to record personal achievement events, gradually cultivate the habit of self affirmation, and choose a supportive social environment to avoid long-term contact with those who habitually belittle others. Regular exercise and cultivating hobbies can also help improve self-efficacy, but if accompanied by serious emotional problems, it is recommended to seek professional psychological counseling assistance.