Children, teenagers & adults
Self-esteem: when how you see yourself gets in the way
Self-esteem is how you see and value yourself. Everyone has times of self-doubt, and many people are helped by a psychologist or counsellor without needing a psychiatrist. A psychiatric assessment can help when low self-esteem is long-standing, is affecting school, work or relationships, or comes with depression, anxiety, an eating disorder or thoughts of self-harm.
Common situations
Low self-esteem is not a diagnosis. It shows up differently at different ages, and often alongside another condition.
In children
Saying "I can't" or "I'm stupid", giving up quickly, or avoiding new things. It can follow trouble at school, bullying or a hard time at home, and it can be an early sign of anxiety or ADHD.
In teenagers
Harsh comparison with others, often through social media, worry about appearance or fitting in, and pulling away from friends or activities. It can come with depression, anxiety or an eating disorder.
Perfectionism and self-criticism
Setting very high standards and feeling like a failure when they are missed, however much you achieve. It is common in adults who look successful from the outside, and it can lead to exhaustion, worry and low mood.
Alongside another condition
Low self-esteem often comes with depression, anxiety, an eating disorder, ADHD or the effects of past trauma. Treating that condition is often part of changing how you see yourself.
Signs to look for
- Harsh, constant self-criticism
- Feeling not good enough, whatever you achieve
- Avoiding new things, people or challenges for fear of failing
- Needing constant reassurance, or finding it hard to accept praise
- Low mood, worry, or changes in eating tied to how you see yourself
- In children: saying "I can't" or "I'm stupid", giving up quickly, or not wanting to go to school
Assessment
We start with how you see yourself, how long it has been this way and what it stops you doing. Dr Stanganelli looks for anything that may sit underneath, such as depression, anxiety, an eating disorder, ADHD or a past trauma, because treating that is often part of the answer. For children, parents are part of the assessment. Sometimes the most useful next step is therapy with a psychologist rather than ongoing psychiatric care.
Treatment
Dr Stanganelli assesses, diagnoses, prescribes where it helps, and coordinates your care with your GP, psychologist and school.
- Psychological therapy, with your psychologist or one Dr Stanganelli can refer you to
- Treatment of depression, anxiety or another condition where it is present
- Support for parents of children and teenagers
- Working with your GP, psychologist or school
Getting started
Ask your GP or paediatrician for a referral to Dr Stanganelli, then email it to appointments@stanganelli.com.au. Or post it to PO Box 5571, Mackay QLD 4740. All referrals are reviewed and assessed by Dr Stanganelli to determine suitability for the practice. Submission of a referral does not guarantee acceptance or an appointment. If your referral is accepted, we'll contact you with a time in Mackay, Brisbane or by telehealth, usually in under 4 weeks. If we can't accept a referral, we'll let the referring doctor or the patient know.