Sexual Health Program

What is Self Esteem?• Self esteem refers to the

thoughts and feelings we have of ourselves these may be positive or negative

• The more positive feelings you have the higher your self esteem

• Self esteem is complex and is important part of who you are

• Self esteem affects both what we do and how we feel

In general, positive experiences and relationships help raise self esteem. Negative experiences and

troublesome relationships tend to lower self esteem. No single event or person can determine your level of

self-esteem. It develops over time, constantly changing with experiences

High Self Esteem

• High self esteem helps you try new things and enjoy others

• Helps you feel confident and able to engage in a “give and take” relationship

• Keeps you true to yourself

Low Self Esteem

• Often a person has negative thoughts about themselves

• Try to win the approval from others

• Engage in unsafe activities to “fit in”

• Distorted view of themselves

• Unhappy and have trouble keeping friends

The Effects of Low self Esteem can Create a Vicious Cycle:

Poor performance

Unhappy personal life

Lack of Self Confidence

The cycle can be broken by taking positive steps to raise your self-esteem

AcceptanceIdentify and accept

your strengths and weaknesses

Everyone has them

AcceptanceIdentify and accept

your strengths and weaknesses

Everyone has them

RespectBe proud of

who you are

RespectBe proud of

who you are

LoveLearn to

love the unique person you are

LoveLearn to

love the unique person you are

PraiseTake pride in

your achieveme

nts

PraiseTake pride in

your achieveme

nts

TrustDo what

makes you feel happy

TrustDo what

makes you feel happy

The process of strengthening your self esteem is an ongoing process

Some feelings you have about yourself may be hard to explain or express that is because you are unique. There is no one else in the world like you. That is reason enough to be proud of

you

Factors That Influence SUCCESS

ExperiencesSchool

Friendships

Believe in

yourself

Family

Self Talk

Self-Confidenc

e

Some Factors that Influence Self Esteem

• Your level of self esteem is based on the unique experiences and relationships that have made up your life

At Home: Relationships with your parents,

grandparents, brothers, sisters, a relative, a trusted adult etc.

In Your Social Life:• Relationships with our friends past and present,

neighbours, boyfriends, girlfriends, coaches etc., • Experiences with clubs, sport teams, hobbies etc.In School:• Relationships with classmates, teachers, principals• Experiences with schoolwork, extracurricular activities,

sports

Is it easy to change your self-esteem?

Is it easy to change your self-esteem?

You can do it but It means looking at yourself and changing the things you do

not like

You can do it but It means looking at yourself and changing the things you do

not like

You May be Wondering

Remember---Think Positively About Yourself

Help YourselfHelp YourselfTake Pride in your individuality

Take Pride in your individuality

Praise YourselfPraise YourselfEncourage Yourself

Encourage Yourself

Trust Your Judgment

Trust Your Judgment

Love Yourself

Love Yourself

You can Improve your self-esteemIt is worth the effort

You can Improve your self-esteemIt is worth the effort

Resources

• The Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada-www.sexualityandu.ca

• Peel Public Health, Toronto- www.peelregion.ca/health/sexuality

• Self-esteem Province of New Brunswick Department of Health and Wellness