Low self-esteem is the opposite of ego. Supportive psychotherapy is often used to treat depression by improving self-esteem.

Low self–esteem always develops when you compare your skill or knowledge with somebody else. We often forget that for passing marks, we only need 50%. One who passes with 50% is a good student. But the same person, when compares himself or herself with a student who has scored 90% or higher, feels that his education was inferior as he was not as competent as others.

Remember that one is required to possess average degree of knowledge and skill and not the maximum degree of skill and knowledge. In the society, one needs to possess only average degree of skill and knowledge.

For example, if a person has passed MBBS with 50% marks, he or she is allowed to practice medicine with full powers and respect. There may be chances when a person who is in the 90th percentile may be able to take some better decisions but the same does not make him a superior doctor.

The fundamental principle in self–esteem is to make a person proud of his personal knowledge and skills and also to bring out his or her uniqueness.

Passion and profession are two different things. We should judge an individual from is passion and not profession.

(Disclaimer: The views expressed in this write up are my own).