Self Worth vs Self Esteem
Self Esteem
Self-esteem is usually experienced through professional and personal achievement. Having a successful career or relationship or reaching personal goals through artistic or physical pursuits are good examples.
Self-esteem is often firmly fixed in the areas of achievement. For others it can come from physical appearance so for this type of person the way they look and appear to others is important. This type of person’s lifestyle and how it reflects on them is another way their self esteem is elevated, so driving a fancy car, having a lifestyle that reflects affluence are all ways to achieve this.
Self-esteem acquired through personal achievement or acquisitions can often be transient so it’s always wise to have a balanced view of these things. If life circumstances suddenly change and you have no balance self esteem can be dramatically impacted. Without having a solid sense of self and self worth you may not be able to stay grounded especially if life circumstances suddenly work against you.
The question to ask yourself is,
If I lost everything I value tomorrow could I still maintain my self worth?
At the deepest level of my being would I still believe I’m ok?
- If I lost my job
- If I lost my physical abilities
- If I lost my relationship
- If I lost my wealth
- My home
- My looks
- My youth
When you have good self-worth, the loss of self-esteem is seen more realistically because you know its linked to achievement or acquisition all of which can be lost in an instant or eventually recouped.
The ability to recover from loss of any kind is to recognise that everything in life is transient. Everything has its beginning and end point whether its life itself, relationships, material gain, jobs, youth or health. We may not like it but change is inevitable and we have to have skills to cope with it or risk collapsing emotionally.
Some losses of course are more difficult to deal with than others. How resilient we are plays its part in our eventual recovery and the speed in which that happens, however it is having faith in our own self worth which is the real driving force behind our recovery from loss.
Self Worth
Without self-worth the loss of self- esteem can be experienced deeply and profoundly and could result in depression or a sense of hopelessness. With self worth the losses are seen more realistically either as a life lesson, something to accept, recover from or as something to regain.
When you have good self worth you know at the very core of your self that you value and respect that you are and have a deep knowing that you are fundamentally a valuable and worthwhile person:
Regardless of:
- What others may say or do to you
- What your successes or failures are
- What you win or lose
- What you have or don’t have
- Whether you are sick or healthy
A good way of understanding the concept of self-worth is to know that you are always going to be worth more than all of your achievements put together.
Self-esteem issues are commonly recognised during the process of counselling. Through counselling people explore life issues, which can and do affect our self-esteem. At Life works we offer workshops that help us understand the factors that impact the most on our self-esteem and self worth.
Please consider coming to Life Works and attend our one-day workshops on Self Worth facilitated by Susie Carr.
If you would like to talk, feel free to reach out to us. An LifeWorks therapist would be able to help.
Dr. Naeema Ali trained psychology and social worker students of UAE University. She is actively providing counselling support to cancer patients and their families. She launched an occupational therapy for cancer patients and cognitive behavioural therapy in Tawam.
Due to her continued support in oncology and ongoing support to cancer patients, Naeema received countless awards locally and international to recognize her achievements and skills. She has been invited to participate in various conferences and workshops around the world and invited as a guest speaker in various subjects that covers psychology.
She also joined Al Sayegh Medical Center as a Social Worker, providing comprehensive assessment and treatment services to children and families, in inpatient and/or outpatient settings, and communicates with referral sources as indicated by applying psychometric test, such as IQ Test, MMPI, Wechsler Test for children. Exhibit superior communication skills to uncover complicated mental health issues; develop and recommend treatment plans based on patient needs and diagnosis.
She continued working as a clinical psychologist providing counselling within the multi-cultural environment of the Emirates Airlines for the past 15 years. Her main task is providing mental health support to inflight and ground staff and addresses any problems, anxieties, or job-related stresses that they are dealing with. She uses her findings to help improve processes and behaviors of a patient to maintain a safe environment, to manage stress, overcome trauma, or avoid job-related conflicts. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is the method Naeema is using to reduce the difficulties, anxieties, and stress that employee faces.
Naeema is also part of “ Shawer ”, the “Seek Our Advice”, and “We Listen To You” program of the Family Development Foundation of Abu Dhabi. The aim of the program was to promote family awareness and support a stable family life. It involves a group of community members who deal with family problems in a positive manner and provide individual and group counseling in social, psychological, and educational areas. They do so in a systematic way according to the needs of community members.
Besides “ Shawer ”, Naeema is also a volunteer of “ Friends of Cancer ” of Sharjah, supporting patients and their families to overcome the multitude psychological difficulties that they are experiencing due to cancer treatment as well as introducing some programs such as health education, self-care and some community programs wherein they can collaborate and share their experiences.
Area of interest:
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Psycho-oncology
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CBT
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Psychometric Assessments
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Children, Adults and Family therapy
Qualification and Membership:
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Psychology graduation from the University of Wisconsin
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Licensed by Community Development Authority
Dr. Mohammed Bardi M.B.B.S, M.D (Psychiatry) has worked under different capacities in clinical and hospital setups in Saudi, USA, and UAE. He comes with over 15 years of experience in mental health. He specifically worked with cases relating to schizophrenic, bipolar disorder, dual diagnosis, major depressive disorder with suicidal risks, anxiety disorders, Intellectual disabilities, Autistic spectrum disorders and attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD).
Area of interest:
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Mood disorders
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Anxiety disorders
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Improving life skills (social skills, self- esteem, decision making, coping with stress, problem solving, and time management)
Qualification and Membership:
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MBBS COLLEAGUE OF MEDICINE, KING SAUD UNIVERSITY 2003 (KKU).
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ARAB BOARD OF MEDICAL SPECIALTIES IN PSYCHIATRY 2007
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ANXIETY DISORDERS WORKSHOP (DIPLOMA), 2010
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ADDICTION FELLOWSHIP UCLA, USA, 2010-2011
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ADDICTION RESEARCH AND MATRIX TRAINING, ISAP, UCLA, LOS ANGELES, CA, USA 2014-2015
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BACHELOR’S DEGREE OF MEDICINE AND SURGERY
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ARAB BOARD OF MEDICAL SPECIALTIES IN PSYCHIATRY
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ADDICTION FELLOWSHIP UCLA 2011, 2015
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BETTY FORD CERTIFICATE, ADDICTION PROGRAM 2010
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CDA) Licensed Psychologist
Therapeutic Approach:
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At LifeWorks Holistic Counselling Center Dubai, Dr. Bardi works collaboratively within our expert multidisciplinary team, in treating a wide array of psychiatric conditions including:
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Anxiety disorders
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Substance use disorders
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Mood disorders including depression and Bipolar affective disorders
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Psychotic disorders (Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders)
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Personality disorders
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Cognitive disorders including Dementia
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Learning disabilities (intellectual disability disorders)
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Child and adolescents’ disorders like Separation anxiety disorders, conduct
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disorders and ADHD