1. Sexual Health Program

3. What is Self Esteem? Self esteem refers to the thoughts and feelings we have of ourselves these may be positive or negative The more positive feelings you have the higher your self esteem Self esteem is complex and is important part of who you are Self esteem affects both what we do and how we feel

4. In general, positive experiences and relationships help raise self esteem. Negative experiences and troublesome relationships tend to lower self esteem. No single event or person can determine your level of self- esteem. It develops over time, constantly changing with experiences

5. High Self Esteem High self esteem helps you try new things and enjoy others Helps you feel confident and able to engage in a “give and take” relationship Keeps you true to yourself

6. Low Self Esteem Often a person has negative thoughts about themselves Try to win the approval from others Engage in unsafe activities to “fit in” Distorted view of themselves Unhappy and have trouble keeping friends

7. The Effects of Low self Esteem can Create a Vicious Cycle: Poor performance Unhappy personal life Lack of Self Confidence

8. The cycle can be broken by taking positive steps to raise your self-esteem Acceptance Identify and accept your strengths and weaknesses Everyone has them Acceptance Identify and accept your strengths and weaknesses Everyone has them Respect Be proud of who you are Respect Be proud of who you are Love Learn to love the unique person you are Love Learn to love the unique person you are Praise Take pride in your achievement s Praise Take pride in your achievement s Trust Do what makes you feel happy Trust Do what makes you feel happy

9. The process of strengthening your self esteem is an ongoing process

10. Some feelings you have about yourself may be hard to explain or express that is because you are unique. There is no one else in the world like you. That is reason enough to be proud of you

11. Factors That Influence SUCCESS Experiences School Friendships Believe in yourself Family Self Talk Self- Confidence

12. Some Factors that Influence Self Esteem Your level of self esteem is based on the unique experiences and relationships that have made up your life At Home: Relationships with your parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, a relative, a trusted adult etc.

13. In Your Social Life: Relationships with our friends past and present, neighbours, boyfriends, girlfriends, coaches etc., Experiences with clubs, sport teams, hobbies etc. In School: Relationships with classmates, teachers, principals Experiences with schoolwork, extracurricular activities, sports

14. Is it easy to change your self- esteem? You can do it but It means looking at yourself and changing the things you do not like You May be Wondering

15. Remember--- Think Positively About Yourself Help Yourself Take Pride in your individuality Praise Yourself Encourage Yourself Trust Your Judgment Love Yourself You can Improve your self-esteem It is worth the effort You can Improve your self-esteem It is worth the effort

16. Resources The Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada- www.sexualityandu.ca www.sexualityandu.ca Peel Public Health, Toronto- www.peelregion.ca/health/sexuality www.peelregion.ca/health/sexuality Self-esteem Province of New Brunswick Department of Health and Wellness