About self-esteem
Low self-esteem affects how we see ourselves, our relationships and our decisions. Therapy helps identify self-critical thoughts, recognise strengths and build a more realistic and kind relationship with yourself.
Social psychologists study and intervene in how groups, communities and social context influence behaviour: coexistence, discrimination, community programmes and group processes in organisations.
Getting mental health care in Bosnia & Herzegovina
Public health system · Entity public health systems (Federation of BiH, Republika Srpska, Brčko District)
Public mental health care is delivered through a network of community mental health centres (centri za mentalno zdravlje), usually attached to primary health care centres, together with family medicine teams. Teams typically include a psychiatrist, a psychologist, a nurse and a social worker. Services are paid for by the mandatory health insurance funds, which are organised separately in each entity.
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Medical chambers (Ljekarska komora in the Federation of BiH; Komora doktora medicine in Republika Srpska). In the Federation of BiH, doctors must register with the competent medical chamber and may practise independently only within the specialty named on their chamber licence. In Republika Srpska, the Komora doktora medicine keeps a record of its members.
- No statutory regulator yet (Federation of BiH draft law on psychologists). A law to regulate the work of psychologists in the Federation of BiH was still a draft in public consultation in mid-2025. Ask about the psychologist's degree and supervised clinical training.
Urgent help in Bosnia & Herzegovina
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 124 · Ambulancia (Hitna pomoć)
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, mz.ks.gov.ba, paragraf.ba, paragraf.ba
Signs to look out for
Everyone doubts themselves sometimes. Low self-esteem may be holding you back when you are constantly self-critical, feel you are not good enough whatever you achieve, compare yourself unfavourably with others, struggle to accept compliments, avoid challenges for fear of failing, find it hard to say no, or feel that others’ opinions define your worth. It often accompanies anxiety or low mood.
What helps: treatments and professionals
Psychologists and psychotherapists can help you identify where your harsh inner voice comes from and develop a kinder, more realistic view of yourself. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), compassion-focused therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and schema therapy are commonly used. Work on assertiveness and boundaries is often included. If low self-esteem relates to body image or eating, specialised support may be needed.
When to seek urgent help
Low self-esteem alone is rarely an emergency, but it can come with depression. If feelings of worthlessness lead to thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life, contact your local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department immediately. Seek prompt help too if you are being bullied, harassed or abused, or if you are restricting food or self-harming.
What you can do in the meantime
Notice your inner critic and ask whether you would speak to a friend that way. Write down small achievements and qualities others appreciate in you. Spend time with people who treat you well and reduce exposure to content that makes you compare yourself. Try small challenges, practise saying no in low-stakes situations, and look after your body with rest and movement.
What does a social psychologist do?
A social psychologist studies how other people, groups and social context shape our thoughts, feelings and behaviour. In applied practice they work on topics such as prejudice, group conflict, community well-being, health behaviour, social inclusion and organisational culture. They design and evaluate programmes, facilitate groups, train teams and advise organisations, schools, local services or community projects.
When to see a social psychologist
A social psychologist can help a school, company, association or community facing group conflict, discrimination, low participation or the need to design a prevention or awareness programme. They are also useful for mediation and group facilitation. If what you need is personal therapy for anxiety, low mood or relationship problems, a psychologist or clinical psychologist is usually the right choice.
How to choose
When choosing, check the licence and training, the approach they use and whether they have experience with what you need. Consider practical aspects too: language, price, location or online sessions and availability. The relationship with the professional matters a great deal; if after a few sessions it does not feel right, it is fine to change.
Frequently asked questions
Does the public health system in Bosnia & Herzegovina cover psychological care?
Public mental health care is delivered through a network of community mental health centres (centri za mentalno zdravlje), usually attached to primary health care centres, together with family medicine teams. Teams typically include a psychiatrist, a psychologist, a nurse and a social worker. Services are paid for by the mandatory health insurance funds, which are organised separately in each entity.
How do I check that a social psychologist is licensed in Bosnia & Herzegovina?
Medical chambers (Ljekarska komora in the Federation of BiH; Komora doktora medicine in Republika Srpska): In the Federation of BiH, doctors must register with the competent medical chamber and may practise independently only within the specialty named on their chamber licence. In Republika Srpska, the Komora doktora medicine keeps a record of its members.