Difference Between Low Self Esteem and Insecurity

The main difference between low self esteem and insecurity is that low self esteem is the negative perception one has about oneself, whereas insecurity is a feeling of uncertainty or anxiety, and lack of confidence in oneself.

Low self esteem and insecurity are two negative feelings that make us feel bad about ourselves. Both these are characterized by a lack of confidence. Self esteem, in general, is how we perceive and value ourselves. Therefore, a person with low self esteem perceive himself as inferior and feels bad about himself. Moreover, low self-esteem has many associated characteristics like resentment, diffidence, envy, depression, and pessimism. Insecurity is one such characteristic of low self esteem.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Low Self Esteem 
     – Definition, Characteristics, How to Overcome
2. What is Insecurity
     – Definition, Characteristics
3. What is the Relationship Between Low Self Esteem and Insecurity
     – Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Low Self Esteem and Insecurity
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Insecurity, Low Self Esteem, Self Esteem

What is Low Self Esteem

Self-esteem is how we perceive and value ourselves. It has a great impact on the choices we make in life since it can determine what we consider ourselves capable and worthy of doing. Therefore, a person with low self-esteem feels bad about himself or herself and lacks self-confidence.  When a person doesn’t value himself, he may not put any effort into education or careers and may accept poor treatment from others around him.

Low self esteem may arise due to various causes, including genetic factors, physical appearance (body image), social-economic status, peer pressure, and bullying. Furthermore, given below are some characteristics displayed by people with low self-esteem:

• Hypersensitivity to criticism
• Pessimism
• Envy
• Exaggerated fear of mistakes
• Excessive need to please others
• Depression
• Insecurity
• Angry/hostile
• Non-risk-taker
• Lacks self-confidence

In addition to these, an individual with low self-esteem tends to view temporary setbacks as permanent obstacles. Such individuals tend to be overly critical of themselves and even depend on the approval and praise of others.

How to Overcome Low Self Esteem

– Don’t pay too much attention to your critical inner voice – stop thinking negative thoughts about yourselves.

– Treat yourself with kindness and compassion

– You can also build your self-confidence

What is Insecurity

Insecurity is a feeling of uncertainty or anxiety about yourself. It stems from a lack of confidence and self-doubt. It can be caused by various factors such as past traumas, recent failures or rejections, social anxiety, and loneliness. Most of us feel insecure some times, but some of us feel insecure all the time. Moreover, a person with high levels of insecurity may lack confidence in himself or herself. It will also be difficult for that person to form long-lasting relationships or to attend daily task due to his deep-seated feeling of self-inadequacy or helplessness. Therefore, it is necessary to overcome insecurity.

Furthermore, insecurity often factors in some mental health conditions and disorders like depression, anxiety, narcissism, eating disorders and body image issues.

Relationship Between Low Self Esteem and Insecurity

• Both low self-esteem and insecurity are characterized by a lack of confidence.
• Moreover, these negative feelings are associated with a myriad of mental health conditions and disorders.
• It is possible to overcome both by practising positive thoughts about oneself and building self-confidence.

Difference Between Low Self Esteem and Insecurity

Definition

Low self esteem is the negative perception one has about oneself, whereas insecurity is a feeling of uncertainty or anxiety, and a lack of confidence in oneself.

Characteristics                      

Moreover, low self-esteem has many associated characteristics like resentment, diffidence, envy, depression, and pessimism; however, insecurity is one such characteristic of low self esteem.

Conclusion

Low self esteem and insecurity are basically two negative feelings that make us feel bad about ourselves. The main difference between low self esteem and insecurity is that low self esteem is the negative perception one has about oneself, whereas insecurity is a feeling of uncertainty or anxiety, and lack of confidence in oneself.

Reference:

1. “Insecurity.” GoodTherapy.org Therapy Blog, 5 Dec. 2019, Available here.
2. “Self-Esteem.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 17 Dec. 2019, Available here.
3. “8 Common Causes of Low Self-Esteem.” Good Choices Good Life, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Depressed (4649749639)” By Sander van der Wel from Netherlands – also, Depressed (CC BY-SA 2.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “705728” (CC0) via Pixabay