low self esteem

Help, I’m spiraling into depression

Ever experienced life going along normally, nicely even, and then the next day, you’re spiraling into depression and low self-esteem? How did you get here, and is it possible to claw your way back before you reach rock bottom? The answer is yes. You might be plummeting now, but there’s still time to turn things … Read more

Woman with brown curly hair and a striped t-shirt stands against a wall and smokes a cigarette looking sad. This is a stereotypical image of depression and low self-esteem. But actually a perfect faced and high achievements can be just as usual.

Depression and low self esteem

The twin topics of depression and low self-esteem, give most people the shudders. Depression is bad enough alone. But so often it wants to pair up with another funky feeling and double its impact. Depression leaves us bleak inside, and then low self esteem tells us we don’t deserve to feel better. In fact, who … Read more

Asian woman with long black hair, wearing a white sleeveless blouse, touches her ear while listening intently to her friend.

Building self esteem by speaking out

Research has found you can improve your self-esteem by speaking out. Getting comfortable with voicing your opinion, can have a range of wellbeing benefits – from more authentic relationships to lower blood pressure. But although it sounds simple, we all know fearlessly speaking your mind can be far from easy. Especially in a group, where … Read more

Celia Jarvis, women's self-esteem specialist.

5 things I’ve learnt in 5 years as a women’s self esteem specialist

For the past 5 years, I’ve been specialising in women’s self-esteem. And as you might imagine, it’s really rewarding work. A surprising side effect though, is that as my wonderful clients grow, so too do I. It’s always enlightening on every level. So, to commemorate this anniversary, here are the top 5 things I’ve learnt … Read more

Tall man with brown hair and a moustache and beard looking into the mid-distance as he hugs a shorter woman with dark blonde hair.

Why counselling after a relationship break-up is a great idea

September has a reputation for being the break up month. With dating app, Wingman recording a 34% increase in new users during this month. Personally, I believe there’s never a bad time to get good counselling. If you want it, feel you’d benefit, and can commit – then go for it. But, when it comes … Read more

Celia Jarvis wearing a straw hat, sunglasses and purple swimming costume on holiday.

The lady vanishes – self-esteem and ageing

I’ve just returned from a beautiful holiday, where I was mostly on the beach in my bikini. And while flaunting my curves, as the talented journalists at the Daily Mail call it, I got exactly zero compliments. Also, no appreciative glances and not a single double-take. I was no more noticeable on the beach then … Read more

Woman with long blonde hair, black coat and peach trousers smiling at the camera. In the background is a theme park like Disney Land.

Why your looks don’t matter as much as you think

You’re probably already familiar with pretty privilege. A catchy term that describes the benefits of being considered conventionally attractive. How people will want to get to know you, grant you favours, and even assume you’re a friendly, outgoing and honest person -simply because you’re good looking. After all, who can deny that prettiness has a … Read more

Two woman sit on a bed together in bandeau tops and bikini bottoms. The woman on the left is larger and has black skin and black curly hair. The woman on the right is olive skinned with dark brown hair and strong eyebrows.

Body confidence and self esteem

The weather is warm(ish), my son’s sports day is today, and this morning the birds woke me at 5am. Yes, summer is finally here! And so, unsurprisingly, the conversation turns to body confidence. And there’s such a lot written on the subject of body confidence. How to get it, strengthen it, maintain it. And yet, … Read more

Riley from Inside out 2, now a teenager.

Inside Out 2: Therapy for adults

As a way to pass the hours on a dull day, my son and I have seen many a mediocre children’s film. Ranging from the sweet, Lyle, Lyle Crocodile, to the quite boring, yet chaotic, Mummies. But Inside out 2 is in a different league. It speaks meaningfully to both adults and children. Opening up … Read more

Three women in a group standing up and laughing in a friendly way together.

Meaningful connection and why it matters

Hands up who wants to improve their mental wellbeing? You’re in luck because, there are so many places to start. You could improve your sleep, see a counsellor or overhaul your diet. But there’s one important factor we consistently overlook in the wellness conversation – and that’s meaningful connection. I’m not sure why this one … Read more

Couple in white shirts, sitting on a bench near a port with a ship in the foreground.

Self-esteem and Separation

It’s been half term this week, so I headed off to Sweden for a few days with my family. And while researching royal palaces, child-friendly saunas and the best cinnamon buns, I discovered the Swedes have the highest divorce rate in Europe. And I don’t think it’s because they’re a disagreeable nation. I had a … Read more

Woman with brown hair in a long bob, wearing a terracotta coloured top, sitting on a sofa reading a book and smiling.

Social media and self-esteem. Why not take a break?

A recent study from York University has found that women who stop using social media, even for just one week, receive a significant self-esteem boost in return. It’s believed the compare and despair cycle, familiar to all who use social media apps, can send even the most robust self-esteem plummeting through the floor. Even if … Read more