Latin Times Magazine Vol 14 No 4 | Page 14

mental health Assertive techniques of how you can improve your self-esteem. By: Dr. Alberto García, Clinical Psychologist Common knowledge dictates that individuals with a balanced and healthy self-esteem are able to feel good about themselves for whom they are. They can appreciate their values, abilities and accomplishments. They also know that while they may not be perfect and can make mistakes, those mistakes do not play a dramatic role in their lives or their own self-image. According to Maslow, self-esteem relies on appreciating yourself for who you are — with faults, opinions, perceptions and all. Simply knowing all your limitations, strengths and weaknesses, provides you with a safety cushion enabling you to move on into the world. It is a fact that not knowing how to deal with low self-esteem can negatively affect every area of your life: social, personal and professional relationships, including your health. But you can take some steps to improve your self-esteem by following these alternatives from different types of mental health counseling. The Mayo Clinic Staff outlined these suggestions based on H