By Madison Avenue TMS & Psychiatry - Published on January 19, 2026

Last updated on January 19, 2026

Most everyone at some point entertains doubts about themselves — say, after being passed over for a promotion, following a big argument with a close friend, or when you’ve been called out for making a serious or embarrassing mistake. 

How we deal with these self-doubts differs from person to person, but some people have a hard time getting past these negative feelings. If they last long enough, they can significantly cloud one’s outlook, mood and self-regard. 

Is it just low self-esteem, or a sign of a more serious depressive disorder?

Defining Self-Esteem

Merriam-Webster defines self-esteem as “a confidence and satisfaction in oneself.” Put plainly, it’s a measure of how you feel about yourself, your confidence in your own abilities and personality and your own self-worth.

People with high self-esteem typically feel good about themselves and take a generally positive view of life. They tend to take the inevitable challenges and hardships that arise in stride. 

By contrast, those who struggle with low self-esteem are more critical of themselves and life in general. They may struggle to deal with adversity and find it difficult to find joy. 

Because of that, it’s easy to slip from low self-esteem into depression.

Studies suggest that low self-esteem is a risk factor for major depressive disorders. Conversely, depression can erode self-esteem, creating a mutually reinforcing relationship.

That said, it’s important to understand that most people experience at least brief bouts of low self-esteem, and that not everyone who feels this way is clinically depressed. 

The Risks of Low Self-Esteem

Low self-esteem may be best characterized as negative thinking — a “glass half-full” disposition. It may begin in childhood, when parents, siblings, friends, peers or teachers give negative or hurtful messages, or fail to recognize your good qualities. Sometimes it can be due to life events like an illness or the loss of a loved one. Or it can be traced to setting unrealistic professional expectations for yourself that are hard to live up to.

Prolonged low self-esteem may result in withdrawing from social situations or avoiding certain people you believe you don’t measure up to. It can mean shirking a challenge or lack of desire to try new things. You may spend time quietly beating yourself up over your perceived shortcomings or deficiencies and come to believe you’re not worthy of friendships, love, an important role at work or the ability to achieve things or be successful. 

Symptoms of having low self-esteem include: 

• A lack of confidence
• A belief that you lack control over your own life
• Believing that others are better than you
• Worry and doubt
• Difficulty accepting compliments
• Poor outlook for the future
• Feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness

You fear failure, yet you may find it difficult to ask for help. People with low self-esteem often have catastrophic thoughts, known as catastrophizing — meaning you always jump to the worst conclusion, irrationally expect the worst to happen and are always in the midst of a crisis. And that can heap a lot of stress on the body.

In most cases, low self-esteem is less dangerous than depression. But there is some overlap in symptoms, including feeling mentally withdrawn, a sense of emptiness, a loss of interest in things you once enjoyed, and a sense of worthlessness, guilt or shame.

Overcome Low Self-Esteem

There are ways to overcome low self-esteem, including ceasing to compare yourself with others, engaging in positive affirmations and self-talk, listing your strengths and areas for improvement, and taking a break from social media. But if the feelings persist or deepen, seeking professional help is a good idea so the condition doesn’t morph into more serious depression.

Just like depression, low self-esteem can be treated, and we can help you here at Madison Avenue TMS & Psychiatry. If you’re ready to work on regaining your sense of worth, contact us at (212) 731-2033 or via our website. 

Madison Avenue TMS & Psychiatry