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How can we overcome an inferiority complex and improve self-esteem?

Posted by T.Gowda on 2024-06-04 11:56:15 | Last Updated by T.Gowda on 2024-08-02 06:13:03

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An inferiority complex is a set of beliefs that we think about ourselves where we always assign less value to ourselves in comparison to others. In other words, we may call it low self-esteem. Here, we doubt ourselves and feel low when compared to others, it may be about marks we get in the exam, the performance of an individual in sports even, or our external appearance and outlook, some people think that other person earns more money than me or it may be concerning anything related two or more individuals.

Many people worry about their skin complexion whether I am dark brown or black than the other person and even we may even compare ourselves with our brothers, sisters, and relatives. As a result of this, we started feeling low self-esteem and if it continues for many months or years, it may even lead to depression in the long run.

This will affect our

• Mental health and personal wellbeing
• Interferes with day-to-day life
• Reduces our concentration and affects our performance.
• Interferer with our relationships between the individuals within a family or among our colleagues and friends.

Signs of inferiority complex

·       Lack of self-confidence

·       Isolation from others.

·       Don’t do eye to eye contact

·       You feel useless or worthless.

·       Feeling anxious always

·       You may feel sensitive to criticism or worry about it.

·       You may feel neglected.

·       Feeling angry with others even for small and silly reasons.

·       Avoid talking to others who blame or criticize you.

Causes for inferiority or low self-esteem

The main root causes for the inferiority can be divided into biological and environmental.

Biological factor

Pre-genetic disposition: all our body's biochemical reactions and characters are controlled by the genes that we carry from our parents and ancestors. In many cases, these type of disorders runs in families and blood relatives. Underlying diseases, trauma, and other unavoidable things are not in our control.  But the surrounding environment influences the expression of these genes and this will help in managing the issues.  In simple, there is an imbalance in the feel-good body chemicals or hormones.

Environmental factors

Living in an unhealthy and insecure family environment. Lack of adequate love and affection by the parents, and siblings. Constant comparison by the parents with your sibling about their looks, performance, height, or other qualities. Inferiority is common among children born to refugees.

How to Overcome Inferiority Complex

Make fewer comparisons:

Every individual is different, all cannot be similar to one another. If another person is good in one aspect you may be good in some other aspect. Even though you are brown, you may be good at studying music or sports, and stop comparing yourselves with others.

Stop wanting to be like others:

Think that you are special and different from others and be proud of it. You are looking different, thinking differently, and feeling differently.

Be with likeminded people:

Make friends with a similar kind of mindset, and be with them always. Play with the one who respects you and understands you. Share your feelings, likes, and dislikes with them, and avoid unnecessary arguments.

Give yourself positive affirmations:

Keep saying to yourself that you are good at studying, your situation will improve in the future, and keep hope always.

Practice mindfulness:

Practice yoga, deep breaths, and pranayama every day. This will reduce your anxiety, give you strength and keep you calm.

Exercise regularly:

Go for a walk regularly for at least 30 to 40 minutes a day either in the morning or in the evening. Do cardio and aerobic exercises and go jogging. This will help in the flow of feel-good chemicals like dopamine, oxytocin and other neurotransmitters say serotonin, and thus helps in overcoming low self-esteem.

Take adequate and balanced nutrition:

Nutrients are the fuel for our all body's functions hence, take balanced food containing adequate amounts of carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals by eating coarse grains, meat, eggs, fresh vegetables, and fruits.

Finally, after doing all these things, if in case required consult therapists, and take the help of expert clinical psychologists or psychiatrists.