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.
Psychologists assess and treat emotional, behavioural and relationship difficulties through psychological therapy. They do not prescribe medication. In many countries clinical practice requires a specific qualification and registration with a licensing body, which Therapy247 checks.
Getting mental health care in Namibia
Public health system · Ministry of Health and Social Services public health services
Specialist public mental health care is concentrated at the Windhoek Mental Health Care Centre, a department of Windhoek Central Hospital with inpatient and outpatient services, and at the Oshakati Psychiatric Unit, which serves the northern regions. The Ministry is working to integrate mental health care into primary health care, but psychiatrists are few.
How to check that a professional is licensed
- Social Work and Psychology Board/Council of Namibia (Health Professions Councils of Namibia, HPCNA). Psychologists and social workers are registered by the Social Work and Psychology Board under the Health Professions Councils of Namibia. Check the practitioner's name and status in the board's e-register. Search the official register
Urgent help in Namibia
If your life or someone else's is in danger, call the emergency number now. These services can help at any time:
- 112 · Emergency services
- 116 · LifeLine/ChildLine Namibia
Information reviewed in November 2026 · Sources: pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, hpcna.com, hpcna.com, hpcna.com
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 psychologist do?
A psychologist spends most of the working day talking with people about what worries them and helping them change it. That includes assessing the difficulty, agreeing goals, and using structured psychological techniques in sessions with adults, teenagers, children, couples or families. Between sessions they prepare materials, write notes, and sometimes coordinate with doctors, schools or other professionals, always with your consent.
When to see a psychologist
It makes sense to see a psychologist when anxiety, low mood, stress, relationship problems, a loss or a difficult change start to affect your sleep, work or relationships, or when you simply want to understand yourself better. If symptoms are very severe, you may need medication, or there are signs of a medical cause, a psychiatrist or your doctor should be involved too.
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 Namibia cover psychological care?
Specialist public mental health care is concentrated at the Windhoek Mental Health Care Centre, a department of Windhoek Central Hospital with inpatient and outpatient services, and at the Oshakati Psychiatric Unit, which serves the northern regions. The Ministry is working to integrate mental health care into primary health care, but psychiatrists are few.
How do I check that a psychologist is licensed in Namibia?
Social Work and Psychology Board/Council of Namibia (Health Professions Councils of Namibia, HPCNA): Psychologists and social workers are registered by the Social Work and Psychology Board under the Health Professions Councils of Namibia. Check the practitioner's name and status in the board's e-register.