Mental Health and Self-Esteem: How They Go Hand in Hand

As we recognise World Mental Health Day, it’s the perfect time to reflect not just on how we feel mentally, but also on how we feel about ourselves. Our mental health and self-esteem are deeply connected and nurturing one naturally supports the other.

When we think about mental health, we often picture things like anxiety, depression, or stress but one of the most powerful influences on our mental wellbeing is something much more subtle: our self-esteem. How we perceive ourselves, the way we speak to ourselves, and what we believe we deserve all play a significant role in how we feel on a day-to-day basis.

What Is Self-Esteem?

Self-esteem is the internal compass that guides how we value ourselves. It’s not about arrogance or ego it’s about having a healthy sense of self-worth. It means believing that you are good enough, even when life feels challenging.

When our self-esteem is strong, we’re better equipped to handle setbacks, make decisions that align with our values, and set healthy boundaries. But when it’s low, we can easily fall into self-doubt, people-pleasing, or overthinking, which can take a real toll on our mental health.

The Connection Between Mental Health and Self-Esteem

Low self-esteem and poor mental health often create a cycle. When you struggle with your mental health for example, if you’re feeling anxious or depressed it can chip away at your confidence and self-worth. On the other hand, if you already have low self-esteem, you may be more vulnerable to mental health challenges because you’re constantly questioning yourself or feeling unworthy.

It’s a bit like a loop:

• Low self-esteem can lead to negative thinking, self-criticism, and isolation.
• These patterns can fuel anxiety, depression, and emotional exhaustion.
• In turn, those mental health struggles reinforce the belief that we’re not good enough.

Breaking this cycle takes time, awareness, and compassion.

How to Strengthen Both Your Mental Health and Self-Esteem

The good news is that self-esteem isn’t fixed it can grow. And improving it naturally supports better mental health. Here are a few ways to nurture both:

1. Challenge Your Inner Critic

We all have that inner voice that says, “You’re not good enough” or “You always get it wrong.” Start noticing those thoughts without judging yourself. Then, gently challenge them. Ask: “Is that really true?” or “Would I speak to a friend this way?”

2. Practise Self-Compassion

It’s easy to be kind to others but harsh on ourselves. Try treating yourself with the same understanding you’d offer a loved one who’s struggling. Compassion builds resilience and helps you regulate your emotions more effectively.

3. Set Healthy Boundaries

Saying “no” is a form of self-respect. Boundaries protect your time, energy, and mental health and remind you that your needs matter too.

4. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection

Low self-esteem thrives on comparison and unrealistic expectations. Start noticing the small wins getting out of bed on a tough day, completing a task you’ve been putting off, or being honest about your feelings. Every step counts.

5. Surround Yourself with Positivity

The people around us influence how we see ourselves. Spend time with those who lift you up, believe in you, and remind you of your worth.

Final Thoughts

Your mental health and self-esteem are deeply interconnected; they influence each other in powerful ways. When you begin to work on your self-worth, your mental well-being naturally improves. As your mental health improves, your sense of self also grows stronger.

Remember: you are not your thoughts, your past, or your struggles. You are worthy, capable, and made for more, just as you are.

If you’re ready to dive deeper into rebuilding your confidence and rediscovering your true worth, my upcoming book Believe You're Made for More will guide you step by step. It’s filled with personal insights, therapeutic tools, and real-life stories to help you strengthen your self-belief and nurture your mental wellbeing from the inside out.

It's available now on pre-launch, it’s your invitation to start believing you were always made for more.

With love Natasha

Psychotherapist and Self-development coach

Follow me on Instagram @Natashapagemsc