Who are low in self-esteem? Understanding the causes and signs

Well, if you've ever wondered who struggles with low self-esteem, you're not alone. It's one of those things that we don't always talk about openly, but many people—probably more than you'd expect—struggle with it every day. Low self-esteem doesn't always look the same on everyone, and often, it's not as obvious as we think. Let’s dive into it and really understand who tends to have low self-esteem and how it can affect their lives.

What does it mean to have low self-esteem?

Honestly, low self-esteem is one of those terms that gets thrown around a lot, but it can mean different things for different people. At its core, low self-esteem is about having a poor opinion of yourself. It’s when you doubt your worth, feel inadequate, or think you're not good enough. But it's not always obvious, and sometimes, people with low self-esteem might even seem confident on the outside.

Common traits of low self-esteem

If you’ve ever felt like you don’t measure up to others, you might be able to relate. People with low self-esteem tend to feel insecure, are overly self-critical, and often compare themselves to others. I’ve definitely gone through phases like this, especially when I started a new job and felt out of my depth. It’s normal to have doubts, but when they linger, they can really impact your mental health.

Who are the people most likely to have low self-esteem?

Now, you might be wondering, “Okay, but who exactly has low self-esteem?” The truth is, it’s not tied to any one group of people, but certain factors can make someone more vulnerable to it.

People who had negative childhood experiences

It’s not always easy to talk about, but childhood experiences can have a huge impact on how we view ourselves as adults. People who grew up in environments where they were criticized, neglected, or even abused may have a harder time developing healthy self-esteem. I have a friend, Sarah, who grew up in a very critical household. She’s struggled with low self-esteem for years because she learned early on to expect failure and criticism.

Those who experience constant rejection or failure

Honestly, rejection is tough. It doesn’t matter whether it’s in a relationship, a career, or even in social settings—constant rejection can make a person start doubting their worth. I had a period when I wasn’t getting responses to job applications, and I began thinking that maybe I wasn’t good enough for any job. It was hard to shake off, and at one point, I started questioning my own abilities. People who experience this frequently might struggle with low self-esteem because it feels like validation never comes.

Individuals with perfectionist tendencies

Okay, this one hit home for me. People who set unrealistically high standards for themselves often end up with low self-esteem. The reason? Well, no one can meet perfection all the time, and when you don't, it leads to feelings of failure. I used to be a perfectionist in school—always trying to get the best grades, constantly pushing myself beyond what was healthy. It took me a while to realize that sometimes, aiming for perfection just sets you up for disappointment.

How low self-esteem affects different aspects of life

Now, let’s talk about how low self-esteem can affect a person’s life. It’s not just about how they feel about themselves; it shows up in everything—from relationships to work.

Impact on relationships

People with low self-esteem often struggle with relationships. They might fear abandonment or feel unworthy of love, which can lead to toxic behaviors like clinging to partners, withdrawing, or becoming overly jealous. Honestly, I’ve seen this happen with a close friend of mine. He had a lot of insecurities, and it affected his romantic relationships. He often pushed people away because he felt unworthy of love, even though he was actually a great person.

Challenges in the workplace

When someone has low self-esteem, they may have a hard time speaking up at work or asking for help. They might downplay their achievements or even avoid opportunities for advancement because they don’t feel capable of handling the responsibility. I’ve been there too—feeling like I wasn’t cut out for a bigger role at work. It took me a while to understand that just because I was unsure of myself didn’t mean I wasn’t qualified.

How to improve low self-esteem

If you’re reading this and thinking, “Okay, this sounds like me,” don’t worry, there’s hope. Low self-esteem is something that can be worked on with time and effort.

Self-compassion is key

One of the first things I had to learn was to be kind to myself. I used to be so critical, and it only made things worse. Practicing self-compassion, as simple as it sounds, can truly make a difference. Start by recognizing your achievements, no matter how small. Celebrate your progress, and understand that it's okay to make mistakes.

Seek support from others

Talking about your feelings and getting support is huge. Whether it’s through therapy, support groups, or even confiding in close friends, sometimes just having someone listen to you can make all the difference. I remember when I finally opened up to a friend about my struggles with self-doubt, it felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. Support is one of the most powerful tools in overcoming low self-esteem.

Conclusion: You are enough

So, who are people low in self-esteem? Honestly, it's anyone who’s been affected by life’s challenges—childhood trauma, rejection, perfectionism, or even just constant self-doubt. It’s more common than we think, and it doesn’t make anyone any less worthy of success or love. If you find yourself struggling, just know that it’s okay, and with some time and effort, you can rebuild your confidence. You are enough just as you are, and don't let anyone or anything make you believe otherwise.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.