Low Self Respect: Causes, Signs & Practical Steps to Rebuild Self-Worth
What is Low Self Respect?
Low self respect happens when you undervalue your own needs, boundaries, and dignity. While self-esteem is about how you see yourself, self-respect is about how you treat yourself — setting healthy boundaries and standing by your values.
According to Psychology Today’s article on self-esteem vs. self-respect, self-respect is the foundation of emotional health and healthy relationships.
Common Causes of Low Self Respect
- Growing up in invalidating environments
- Chronic people-pleasing or codependency
- Lack of boundaries in personal or work life
- Trauma or repeated rejection
- Negative self-talk and internalized shame
Signs & Symptoms of Low Self Respect
Look out for these indicators:
- Saying yes when you want to say no
- Letting others treat you unfairly
- Feeling guilty for prioritizing your needs
- Difficulty asserting your boundaries
- Staying in toxic relationships
How Low Self Respect Impacts Your Life
Low self respect can lead to burnout, resentment, and unhealthy relationships. Over time it may also reduce self-confidence and contribute to mental health struggles such as anxiety and depression.
Check out Mind UK’s self-esteem resources to understand the link between self-esteem and self-respect.
Practical Steps to Rebuild Self Respect
1. Define Your Boundaries
Write down your limits and practice asserting them kindly but firmly.
2. Practice Saying No
Refusing requests that violate your needs is a vital self-respect skill.
3. Challenge Negative Self-Beliefs
Use journaling or therapy to reframe harmful beliefs about yourself.
4. Treat Yourself Kindly
Self-respect grows when you speak to yourself with compassion, just as you would to a close friend.
5. Surround Yourself with Respectful People
Limit time with those who exploit or demean you and build supportive relationships instead.
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External Resources & Further Reading
Reviewed by M.Horng
on
September 25, 2025
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