Self-Esteem

Impact of Trauma

1. When we experience something as traumatic our sense of self is highly compromised.  Trauma damages the part of the brain that allows one to see options.  If you don’t see options your fear center reacts and can become violent.  

2. Self-esteem is developed in our medial pre-frontal cortex. This part of the brain helps control one’s ability to look at their own behavior and determine moral, social, physical and emotional safety (Siegel, 2020).  When one experiences unrelenting abuse and neglect at the hands of primary caregivers, parts of the medial prefrontal cortex atrophy and die off.  

3. The use of shame (we see this in our language when we try to “control” or “manage” or “redirect” behaviors) releases cortisol that also damages the medial pre-frontal cortex.

The Antidote

1. Facilitating opportunities where a person and their team can identify personal preferences.  Once these are identified, together, they can explore opportunities where those preferences can be engaged safely in their community and family circle.  This is a direct strategy to building the three elements of Self-Esteem:  Sense of Self, Self-Efficacy and Self-Worth.  

2. Facilitating opportunities where a person can develop their sense of self- who are you? What do you love? Where do you feel most valued?

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