February is here, which means it’s time to recognize Boost Your Self-Esteem Month. This annual awareness initiative began with mental health advocates who saw how much self esteem affects everyday life, relationships, and overall well being. The goal is simple but important: give people time to focus on their worth, notice their strengths, and understand that they matter.
The idea of self-esteem has been around for hundreds of years, with thinkers like David Hume emphasizing the importance of valuing oneself to reach their full potential. Today, Boost Your Self-Esteem Month highlights the connection between how youth feel about themselves and their mental health. It encourages conversations, community activities, and practical ways in which younger individuals can build confidence and resilience (National Today Boost Your Self Esteem Month).
Why Self-Esteem Matters for Youth
Self-esteem is far more than just feeling good about oneself. It is believing in personal worth and trusting the ability to handle challenges. Youth with healthy self-esteem are typically able to better cope with stress, form positive relationships, and take on new opportunities. While youth struggling with low self-esteem, can possibly experience anxiety, depression, and having more day-to-day struggles. Supporting youth towards expanding their self worth helps families and communities create spaces where young people feel valued and capable. Improving self-esteem is not about being perfect or avoiding mistakes. It is about noticing strengths, trusting oneself, and learning that mistakes are chances to grow.
Ways to Help Youth Build Self-Esteem
Self-esteem flourishes in everyday moments. Small actions (like these suggested by KidsHealth.org) can lead to a big difference:
- Focus on effort, not just results: Work towards consistently praising persistence and hard work, rather than just the end result.
- Acknowledge feelings: Let youth know it is okay to feel nervous or frustrated. Being/feeling understood validates emotions which boosts self worth.
- Notice strengths: Help youth see all of the things that they do well and encourage them to use their skills.
- Set small goals: Achievable goals give confidence and show that making progress matters much more than being perfect.
- Create safe spaces: Allow youth to share thoughts and feelings without judgment.
Western Youth Services offers programs designed to encourage a lot of these practices in a caring, trauma informed way. Counseling, group programs, and mentoring help youth practice self-esteem building while learning ways to handle life’s challenges.
How Western Youth Services Supports Youth
Western Youth Services recognizes that every child and teen is completely different which means that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to youth mental health. At WYS, the programs are designed to create safe, supportive spaces where youth feel valued and heard. The programs/resources provided by WYS utilize evidence-based practices that are proven to help children, youth, and families build resilience, trained counselors help young people strengthen coping skills, improve self-esteem, and gain emotional strength that can last into adulthood.
Programs like Super Resilient® Youth (SRY) focus on helping youth notice their strengths, manage stress, and build confidence through practical, hands-on activities. Group and individual sessions give youth a chance to practice these skills in real-life situations.
The Student Behavioral Health Incentive Program (SBHIP) provides support in schools to address behavioral and emotional challenges early. By bringing mental health guidance into the school day, SBHIP helps youth feel supported, gain confidence, and develop social and emotional skills.
Additional services include individual counseling, group programs, family support, and skill-building exercises aimed at strengthening self worth, decision-making, and resilience. By combining professional support with guidance from families and communities, Western Youth Services helps youth develop the tools they need to thrive.
Supporting Youth During Boost Your Self-Esteem Month
Boost Your Self-Esteem Month reminds communities to support youth in building self worth. Families, educators, and mentors can help by:
- Listening without judgment
- Celebrating achievements, big or small
- Offering consistent encouragement
- Modeling self respect and healthy self care
Even small efforts can have a big impact. With encouragement, guidance, and safe spaces, youth can develop lasting self-esteem, which strengthens mental health and overall well being.
More information on Boost Your Self-Esteem Month and ways to support youth mental health is available here.
Western Youth Services is dedicated to helping children and teens build self-esteem, develop emotional strength, and thrive. Through trauma informed care and compassionate guidance, youth gain the support needed to feel valued, empowered, and ready to reach their full potential.
Sources:
- https://nationaltoday.com/international-boost-self-esteem-month/
- https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/self-esteem.html
- https://www.westernyouthservices.org/
- https://www.westernyouthservices.org/evidence-based-practices/
- https://www.westernyouthservices.org/sry/
- https://www.westernyouthservices.org/sbhip/
