Teenage Self-Esteem

Why Do We Struggle So Much?

Teenage self-esteem... there's an emptiness in many girls around this globe, what is the problem? We struggle with insecurity. We are ashamed of how we look.

In fact, we have a quiz on this website where over 50% of girls have answered that they are ashamed of how they look. Over fifty percent!

There Is A Problem

Don't believe me? Check out these body image statistics showing the depth of this problem.

I (Shelley) have felt this emptiness before. For me, it tends to be a deep loneliness that threatens to engulf me. I often feel left out and rejected. On the outside. Even though I have loving and meaningful relationships, it isn't enough. I still have that gaping hole inside.

For you it may feel different, but I bet it's still there. Some of you may not even know it's there. I lived many years before I recognized it.

So, What's the Problem?

Ultimately, the problem is that we are trying to find teenage self-esteem and worth apart from God. "All things were created by him and for him" (Colossians 1:16). That hole inside us is meant to be filled by God and so nothing else will be enough. We will always still feel "hungry" for more.

I tried to get my worth from many other things... my relationships (husband, family, friends), my work (succeeding at what I do), my looks (clothes, make-up, hair, etc.), attention from guys, shopping, etc. We can try to fill this emptiness and void with anything and everything. Many of those things can become addictions over time. I've had a couple of those too.

And that is the enemy's purpose. He has come to steal kill and destroy (John 10:10). He wants to plant many weeds in our lives to choke out the life giving, fruit bearing plants.

However, I do believe there are other influences in our culture today that also contribute to this emptiness inside us. And I believe one of the biggest issues impacting us today is the pressure the media places on us to look "picture perfect."

How the Media Contributes to the Problem of Teenage Self Esteem and Body Image

Self-esteem and media - Magazines, TV, movies, internet, video games, social media... The list could go on.

If you have a moment, watch this eye opening video on graphic editing for advertising. Do you think it's fair that advertisements are edited that way? Share your thoughts.

One way the media influences us, is by giving us "role models" or people we idolize. It could be an actress, or a singer. It could be an athlete. It could be a popular T.V. show host or speaker. Or it could be a combination of pictures or images that we build up as ideal. 

Who is Your Role Model?

One role model for many girls is Barbie. You can find out more in our article, Barbie Body Image, here. 

Other Influences

The media is just of of the influences in our lives (albeit a big one). Here are a few other things that influence our body image and self-esteem:

• Evolution vs Creationism
• Father Issues 
• Mother Issues
• The cultural expectations and current standards of beauty.

Next Steps

So where do you start rebuilding your self-esteem? How do you start to see yourself as you were created to be? We'd love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments below, or shoot us an email.

Want more help finding your true beauty in Christ? Here are a few pages on this website to get you started.

• Advertising and body image
• Take this quiz!
• How to gain self-esteem
• Body image lies
• Body image statistics
• Top dating tips
• Teen fashion tip
• Inner beauty
• Your story
• Connect with God 

About the Authors

Shelley and Heather have written a book...
specifically for teen girls -- and this book could change your life
or the life of a teen girl you know!

Find out more now

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