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Jewish World Review June 4, 2002 / 23 Sivan 5762
Self-esteem in the
http://www.jewishworldreview.com |
In the aftermath of the World Trade Center attack, the
American people and citizens of many Western countries have become painfully
aware that we have become suddenly vulnerable to random attacks of terrorism.
Government officials state that in spite of all security precautions,
it is impossible to forestall a terrorist attack.
Our anxiety is at an all time high. We know that every bridge, every
tunnel, every tall commercial or residential building and every place
where many people assemble is a potential terrorist target. Shall we avoid
all traffic, all tall buildings, theaters and ball parks? Of course not!
We must all participate in maximizing security. I do not object to removing
my shoes at the airport security checkpoint and I am alert to mail whose
sender is unknown to me. But this does not eliminate anxiety. Put simply,
we must now learn how to live with anxiety.
Problems of low self-esteem are very common. Most people employ a variety
of psychological defense mechanisms to deal with these unpleasant feelings
, as I described in Life's Too Short. However, when any adversity occurs,
the feelings of low self-esteem can be intensified, and if the defensive
mechanisms are not adequate, it may result in dysfunction or depression.
Thus, many people may be allowing the recent horrible events to incapacitate
them, well beyond the acceptable level of "daily" anxiety.
Unless we cope effectively with anxiety, it may impact negatively on
our work and relationships, both familial and social. It is recommended
that we learn relaxation techniques, and there are books on this in the
self-help section of your bookstore. It is crucial that we do not turn
to alcohol or drugs to deal with chronic anxiety.
Good self-esteem enhances our coping skills and can diminish toxic anxiety.
It prevents the anxiety from compromising our function. Good self-esteem
enables us to continue living normally as we must, to relate, love, work
and play.
No, self-esteem cannot diffuse bombs. But whereas the damage of an attack
may be formidable, living in fear 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year,
may be equally damaging. Anything we can do to minimize the effects of
toxic anxiety will improve our lives. Enhancing our self-esteem can be
of great help.
This article is the first in a series
face of world terrorism
By Dr. Abraham Twerski, M.D.
Of course, emotional reactions often do not follow rules of logic. Even
when the adversity is in no way indicative of a personal shortcoming,
low self-esteem issues may be aggravated. Those with pre-existing low
self esteem may find these tense times especially difficult to navigate.
Abraham J. Twerski, M.D. is a psychiatrist and ordained rabbi. He is the
founder of the Gateway Rehabilitation Center in Pittsburgh, a leading center
for addiction treatment. An Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the University
of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, he is a prolific author, with some 30 books to
his credit. He has recently launched a new 12 step program for self esteem development www.12steps2selfesteem.com
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