Self-Esteem

Self-esteem is the foundation of our emotional well-being—it’s how we perceive our worth, abilities, and value in the world. For many men, societal expectations, stereotypes, and personal experiences can significantly impact self-esteem. Men with ADHD, or any neurodivergence, have increased difficulties with follow-through and commitment to important tasks in every day life. They generally struggle to abide by “neurotypical” guidelines.

Unfortunately, society and the values therein typically ostracize and negatively judge those who struggle to follow “neurotypical” expectations. Thus, neurodivergent men often experience more judgment, criticism, and neglect. These societal/cultural/familial messages so often get internalized into self-criticism and depression, which are part of the dynamic of low self-esteem. Therefore, it’s crucial to recognize that self-esteem isn’t fixed; it can be developed and strengthened over time.

Whether neurodivergent or not, men often face unique challenges when it comes to self-esteem. Society often encourages men to exhibit traits like strength, control, and independence, which can create pressure to hide vulnerabilities or seek validation solely through achievement. This can lead to internal conflicts, feelings of inadequacy, and difficulty in expressing emotions. Of course, these struggles are compounded by some of the experiences that accompany neurodiversity.

If you resonate with any of these challenges, then it may be time to consider self-esteem counselling for neurodivergent men. Enhancing self-esteem positively impacts various aspects of life, such as relationships, career, and mental health. It promotes resilience in facing challenges, fosters healthier connections with others, and allows for a more fulfilling life overall.

Improving self-esteem is a journey—one that involves self-reflection, emotional awareness, acceptance, and growth. Self-esteem counselling with a male therapist can be a valuable resource in this journey, providing guidance, support, and tools to help men build a stronger and healthier sense of self-worth.

Self-Esteem Counselling: What to Expect

• Understanding Neurodivergence:Learning how your unique neurodiverse history has impacted your self-esteem and emotional well-being helps you to uncover some of the roots of the issues. It also can provide insights into the impact of masking your traits. Next steps then involve learning how to unmask, if desired, at your own pace.
• Self-Acceptance: Embrace oneself without judgment, acknowledge strengths, and understand that imperfections are part of being human.
• Emotional Awareness: Recognize and understand emotions, allow oneself to feel and express them, rather than suppressing or ignoring them.
• Assertiveness and Boundaries: Learn to assert needs, opinions, and boundaries respectfully, fostering healthy relationships and self-respect.
• Setting Realistic Goals: Establish achievable goals and celebrate progress, fostering a sense of accomplishment and self-worth.

I offer a safe and non-judgmental space for men to explore and address their issues. I can help you identify underlying factors affecting your self-esteem, develop coping strategies, understand and process emotional wounds that hinder your self-worth, and explore healthier ways to perceive yourself.

Interested in starting to learn how to build your self-esteem? Check out this blog article.