"Getting caught up in all the hype? Don't bother, because the secret is it's who you are inside that counts."
— Megan Mullally, Will & Grace

It is common for people to occasionally feel down about themselves. Low self-esteem can be triggered by multiple factors, including being treated poorly by others, undue amounts of stress or personal feelings about oneself. However, having low self-esteem every day can be detrimental to your health and those around you. You have the right to feel good about yourself, and should take measures to do so every day.

Oftentimes low self-esteem can occur as a result of negative thoughts. Negative thoughts can be things such as, "I'm stupid," "I'm a jerk," or "I'm a loser." These types of thoughts are difficult to unlearn, and oftentimes you don't realize you're thinking them. Be aware and conscious about your thoughts. If you find yourself thinking negatively, jot them down on a piece of paper. When you are feeling good about yourself, take a look at the notes you have made and determine if they are really true, whether or not you would say them to someone else, and what brought up the thought. After looking at these thoughts in depth, determine how you can turn them into positive thoughts.

The National Mental Health Information Center offers the following tips to help raise self-esteem:

• Pay attention to your own needs and wants. It is important to listen to what your body, mind and heart are telling you.
• Take very good care of yourself. This can include things such as eating healthy foods, getting exercise and an adequate amount of sleep.
• Take time to do things you enjoy. Sometimes life becomes so busy it is difficult to do the things you really enjoy. Try to schedule time for the activities that make you happy and you enjoy doing.
• Give yourself rewards. Set a goal and reward yourself after accomplishing it.
• Spend time with people that make you feel good about yourself. Try to avoid spending time with those you do not feel comfortable around.

For more tips and information on self-esteem, please visit the National Mental Health Information Center www.mentalhealth.org.