Why Anxiety and Self Worth often go hand in hand …
In 2023 data from the Office of National Statistics reported that an average of 37.1% of women and 29.9% of men experienced high levels of anxiety.
Behind those statistics though are real people juggling work, family responsibilities, financial pressure and the emotional weight that results.
Anxiety is a response to these stresses, it is a natural human reaction, however it can become problematic when it leads to constant feelings of being on edge, irritability, fear or overwhelm.
Anxiety often feeds on our sense of self-worth. When self-worth is low, our inner voice can become overly critical:
“I’m not capable enough.”
“I’m going to mess this up.”
“Everyone else has it together except me.”
Over time, this cycle can make anxiety feel stronger and more persistent. However we live in a society that comes with unspoken expectations, such as:
Keep going, keep strong, don’t make a fuss.
Many people grow up hearing messages like:
“Other people have it worse.”
“Just get on with it.”
“Don’t overthink things.”
These attitudes can make it harder to acknowledge when we’re struggling. Anxiety and low self-worth often thrive in silence.
Signs Anxiety May Be Affecting Your Self-Worth
You might notice anxiety impacting your self-worth if you:
Constantly doubt your decisions
Compare yourself negatively to others
Feel like an impostor at work or in relationships
Struggle to accept compliments
Overanalyse conversations or interactions
Feel responsible for everyone else’s feelings
These experiences can gradually erode confidence and make everyday life feel exhausting.
Rebuilding Self-Worth
The good news is that self-worth is not fixed. It can grow and strengthen over time. Some helpful starting points include:
Becoming aware of your inner critic - notice how you speak to yourself internally. Would you talk to a friend in the same way?
Understanding where these beliefs began. Often our beliefs about ourselves develop early in life or through difficult experiences.
Practising self-compassion. Learning to treat yourself with patience and understanding rather than judgement.
Talking about how you feel. Opening up to someone safe can break the cycle of internalising anxiety.
The Role of Counselling
Counselling or psychotherapy can provide a space where you can explore anxiety and self-worth without judgement. Therapy offers something that everyday life rarely does, time and space to understand yourself more deeply.
Through counselling you might begin to:
Understand the roots of your anxiety
Challenge unhelpful beliefs about yourself
Build healthier boundaries
Develop greater self-confidence
Feel more connected to your own values and needs
Therapy isn’t about “fixing” you. It’s about helping you recognise the value that was already there.
You Are Not Alone
If you’re struggling with anxiety or self-worth, you’re far from alone. Across the UK, Merseyside, Southport and maybe even next door, many people are navigating similar feelings, often quietly. Reaching out for support is not a weakness it’s a meaningful step towards understanding yourself and creating change. Sometimes, having a space where you can simply be heard can make all the difference.