Signs You’re Struggling with Self-Worth (And How to Heal)

"Healing self-worth isn’t about becoming someone new - it’s about remembering you were enough all along."

Self-worth is the quiet foundation beneath every relationship, goal, and decision we make. Yet for so many people, it’s a fragile one. When you carry unhealed wounds from the past, whether from childhood, relationships, or the culture you were raised in - your sense of worth can become clouded. You might not even notice the weight until you catch yourself saying: “I’m not good enough.”

As a therapist in Toronto, I see self-worth struggles every day. They often arrive disguised as anxiety, perfectionism, burnout, or relationship issues. The truth is, self-worth isn’t about what you achieve or how others see you - it’s about the relationship you hold with yourself.

5 Signs You’re Struggling with Self-Worth

1. People-pleasing feels like second nature.
   You find yourself saying yes when you want to say no, fearing rejection or disapproval.

2. Perfectionism drives you.
   Mistakes feel intolerable, and you measure your value through productivity or achievements.

3. You struggle to receive love.
   Compliments feel uncomfortable, and deep down, you doubt whether others’ care is genuine.

4. Boundaries feel impossible.
   You overextend yourself to keep the peace, even when it costs your energy and wellbeing.

5. Your inner voice is critical.
   You speak to yourself with a harshness you would never use with someone you love.

Recognizing these signs is the first step. The next is healing.

How to Begin Healing Your Self-Worth

• Reconnect with your inner child. Many wounds of worth come from childhood experiences - moments where you felt unseen, unheard, or unimportant. By tending to your inner child with compassion, you begin rewriting that story.

• Challenge your inner critic. Notice when your self-talk is punishing or harsh. Replace criticism with curiosity: “Where is this coming from? What part of me feels scared right now?”

• Practice receiving. When someone offers kindness, whether a compliment or support, pause and let yourself take it in, even if it feels uncomfortable at first.

• Seek therapy. Healing self-worth can feel overwhelming to do alone. Therapy offers a safe, non-judgmental space to explore these patterns and practice new ways of relating to yourself.

Healing self-worth is not about perfection. It’s about remembering you are worthy of love, care, and rest exactly as you are.