Self Esteem

As a young child, I was always labelled as 'the quiet one'. In social situations I found it difficult to speak up, school caused a lot of anxiety from day one for me. I remember feeling sick on my first day and not wanting to leave my mum. I specifically remember the feeling of feeling sick and hiding in my bathroom at home, begging my mum not to take me. I wanted to stay at home, I was happy and safe there. I went in, I instantly didn't like my teacher. She was stern and cold. I really didn't feel comfortable with her. When I had not completed the task she had set (it was a worksheet with numbers) she had raised her voice at me and I remember feeling ashamed and embarrassed.

I remember vividly feeling anxious throughout lower school, I made a few friends, but unfortunately I never really enjoyed my time there. I was always trying to fit in but never quite made it. I didn't feel confident enough in speaking up in the class, I remember trying to force myself but it was so unnatural for me, being in that type of environment. I thrived when participating in Art. I loved dancing and taking part in school plays. This felt natural and brought me so much joy. I think it's important to recognize what is natural for us to engage in and what brings us joy and happiness. This is a part of being an Occupational Therapist that I love the most, looking at the person as an individual occupational being and discovering what lights them up. This can be different for all of us and that is what makes us special and unique.

Going forward I would love to support children like myself that struggled so much with self-esteem, making new friends and experiencing anxiety. I feel with the correct support and guidance each individual can flourish. I believe sessions on supporting young children to build their self esteem and develop confidence would be so valuable. It could potentially change the future of our adults if mental health was nourished at a young age. Imagine if self-esteem classes were taught in school? Imagine the potential if we taught emotional regulation techniques at a young age? As adults we would have unlimited potential.