Self-Esteem - A way to handle depression. Review on Handling Depression

I was really awed by <b>vivekbp</b>'s article on depression. I thought about writing an article related to depression. A major cause of depression is low self-esteem. I am trying capture salient points about self-esteem.

<b>Self-esteem</b> is a distinct gesticulation every human being has. It is a sense of well being, which also reflects how well one evaluates oneself. As per Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, self-actualization is at the top of the pyramid. Self-esteem is directly related to the “self-actualization” of Maslow’s theory. Self-esteem is also a measurable phenomenon that explains how well one evaluates self, a sense of achievement and sense of respect for one’s self. This also leads to an individual’s sense of value and reason for living. Many of those who are depressed or suicidal in nature tend to have a low self-esteem.

Coming to classic definitions, Merriam Webster defines self-esteem as “confidence and satisfaction in oneself” or “self-conceit, self-respect”. Dictionary.com defines it as “a feeling of pride in yourself” and “the quality of being worthy of esteem or respect”.

People with high self-esteem are those who are healthy and are characterized by respect for others. They accept responsibility for their actions. They have high ethical and moral integrity. They take pride in their accomplishments and are self-motivated. They are willing to take risks, and capable of handling criticism. They seek the challenge. They seek the stimulation of challenges that have worthwhile and demanding goals. They take control of their lives and live with command of themselves. People with high self-esteem trust their own well being to be life affirming, constructive, responsible and trustworthy. These people will in turn develop others by helping them, caring for them, nurturing them and loving them.

Some of the researches have found that only one percent of the entire population has a high self-esteem in a hypothetical definition. What does it mean? Does it mean the world is full of people with low self-esteem? Not really. The over achievers always have high self-esteem. Is that so?  Not really. What is the real reason for the above two questions? When a person has a high self-esteem, then that he nurtures and takes cares of other people. The respect for individuals is mutual. Some egotistical clashes of personalities also come into picture. This means that a person with high self-esteem need not necessary treat everyone alike as it is possible only theoretically.

People with high self-esteem try to treat people respectfully. This is irrespective of race, caste, religion, color, ancestry, marital status, sex, age, nationality, disability or socio-economic status.  People with such traits are rarely found; hence the percentage mentioned above is real.  But why do over achievers need not have high self-esteem and low/average achievers need not be having low self-esteem? The factor mentioned above can play a role in answering this, too.

There are people who work to their capacity, that is, to the level they are capable of working. They have a sense of well being in themselves. The over achiever in a generic sense need not necessarily be working at their level best. They may be working at 10 or 20 percent of their capability and feel a sense of underachievement in themselves, thus have a void in themselves; albeit being way out of the league of their colleagues.  On the other hand, those giving their 95%(assuming that 5% is meant for normal bodily functions and daily chores) can be having a very good time and a sense of belongingness. With respect to other traits of self-esteem, these people are those who seek challenges and live up to them. They also respect others and treat everyone alike. These people tend to forget the discriminating factors mentioned above and tend to live a peaceful life.

When a person feels self-actualized, it is the highest motivating factor a person has and this in turn makes a person to turn in more productivity. Most of the highly successful companies try to emulate the same. This is solely due to the “self-esteem” factor. When a company has a large number of high self-esteem people, the actualization and productivity is at the peak. This “Live and let live” philosophy makes everything possible. Just like Napoleon said “Even the word impossible says ‘I’m possible’, everything is possible here.

As self-esteem is a highly valuable gesticulation, one must strive for excellence, even perfection, in order to be self-actualized. Nobody’s perfect in this world and as people make mistakes, one should always try to learn from their mistakes and the common wisdom to have a high regard for themselves and live a peaceful life with high self-esteem.

To sign-off, here’s a quote from Taoism:

<i>I have three treasures. Guard and keep them:

The first is deep love,

The second is frugality,

The third is not to dare to take the lead in the world.

Because of deep love, one is courageous.

Because of frugality, one is generous.

Because of not daring to take the lead in the world, one becomes the leader of the world.

Now, to be courageous by forsaking deep love,

to be generous by forsaking frugality,

and to take the lead in the world by forsaking following behind-this is fatal.

For deep love helps one to win in case of attack, and to be firm in the case of defense.

When Heaven is to save a person,

Heaven will protect him through deep love.</i>

<b>Taoism Tao Te Ching 67</b>

I hope y'all liked it. Please shower in your comments.

Have a nice day!