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.
Sexologists help with sexual difficulties, desire, communication about sexuality, and sexual and gender identity, individually or as a couple, in a respectful and confidential setting.
Getting mental health care in the Isle of Man
Public health system · Manx Care
Manx Care provides public mental health services, with Mental Health First Contact Practitioners in GP practices offering assessment, brief psychological interventions and referral to secondary services. Psychological therapies such as CBT are also delivered with the charity partner Minds Matter, and young people up to 18 can self-refer to the Talk service run with Isle Listen. Waiting lists for psychological therapies have been a known problem that Manx Care is working to reduce.
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), under the Health Care Professionals Act 2014. The Isle of Man has an agreement with the UK HCPC to regulate professions including practitioner psychologists. Check the practitioner's name on the HCPC register. Search the official register
Urgent help in the Isle of Man
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 112 · Emergencias
- 116 123 · Isle of Man Samaritans
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: iomtoday.co.im
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 sex therapist do?
A sex therapist helps individuals and couples with concerns about sexuality in a respectful, confidential space. Day to day they talk about desire, arousal, pain, orgasm, sexual communication, body image, identity and orientation, and the impact of illness, ageing or past experiences. They use psychoeducation, talking therapy and practical exercises, and coordinate with doctors when a physical cause needs to be checked.
When to see a sex therapist
Seeing a sex therapist makes sense when a sexual difficulty causes distress or tension, when desire differs a lot within a couple, when there is pain or anxiety around sex, after illness, childbirth or menopause, or when you have questions about identity or orientation. A medical check-up is advisable first for pain or sudden changes; trauma may need trauma-focused therapy.
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 the Isle of Man cover psychological care?
Manx Care provides public mental health services, with Mental Health First Contact Practitioners in GP practices offering assessment, brief psychological interventions and referral to secondary services. Psychological therapies such as CBT are also delivered with the charity partner Minds Matter, and young people up to 18 can self-refer to the Talk service run with Isle Listen. Waiting lists for psychological therapies have been a known problem that Manx Care is working to reduce.
How do I check that a sex therapist is licensed in the Isle of Man?
Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), under the Health Care Professionals Act 2014: The Isle of Man has an agreement with the UK HCPC to regulate professions including practitioner psychologists. Check the practitioner's name on the HCPC register.