Brilliant Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, 2nd Edition

Understanding the cycle of low self-esteem

The unfortunate Elizabeth demonstrates some of the classic traits and habits of someone with low self-esteem. You can see the way a simple mistake triggers a cascade of critical self-talk that rapidly incapacitates her both physically and mentally, unleashing overwhelming feelings of shame and worthlessness.

Elizabeth’s negative self-evaluation becomes self-fulfilling. Her fixed belief that she must perform to the highest possible standard at all times to qualify for any sense of self-worth has prompted her to stay up late into the night until, exhausted, she made the error with her slides.

Having made the mistake, her persecutory thinking makes it almost impossible for her to recover. In her panic she ...