Feeling Good Podcast | TEAM-CBT - The New Mood Therapy

364: Ask David: Self-Esteem vs Self-Confidence vs Self-Acceptance

Oct 2, 2023

David, an expert in self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-acceptance, discusses the difference between these terms. He believes self-confidence is the conviction of winning, self-esteem is the decision to love oneself regardless of outcomes, and self-acceptance is crucial. They also explore helping people with depression and strategies to overcome resistance. Coercive therapy, improving communication, and taking responsibility for improving relationships are other interesting topics discussed.

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Introduction

00:00 • 2min

Feeling Good Live & Collaborations

01:31 • 4min

The Difference Between Self-Confidence and Self-Esteem

05:02 • 8min

Self-Acceptance: Embracing Flaws and Imperfections

13:04 • 14min

Helping Someone with Depression: Challenges and Strategies

27:23 • 13min

Coercive Therapy and the Power of Kindness

40:17 • 4min

Improving Communication and Resolving Conflicts Through the Five Secrets

44:33 • 4min

Taking Responsibility and Getting the Family on the Same Page

48:57 • 4min

Self-Esteem, Self-Confidence, and Self-Acceptance What's the Difference? What's More Important?

Questions for today’s Ask David podcast

David asks: What’s the difference between self-confidence, self-esteem, and self-acceptance?

Guillermo asks: How do you help people who are not asking for help or don’t even know they need help with depression?

The answers to today’s questions in these show notes were written before the podcast. The information on the podcast may be quite different and will typically provide much more information than the brief answers below. David

David asks: What’s the difference between self-confidence, self-esteem, and self-acceptance?

Hello David,

The mental health world seems to like or argue about the meaning of terms like self-confidence, self-esteem, and self-acceptance? What’s the difference between them, and which one is the best thing to have?

David’s response: Great question, David. I think of self-confidence as the conviction that you’re probably going to win because you’re very good at something. Self-esteem, in contrast, is the decision to love yourself whether you win or lose. Between those two, I’d say that self-confidence is more fun, but self-esteem is more important.

But where does self-acceptance fit in? That’s the big buzz word these days, although the concept has been around for ages. We’ll have to ask the experts today to find out where it fits in! I’m a bit confused at the moment!

Guillermo asks: How do you help people who don’t know that they need help with depression?

Hello, Dr Burns

I was curious as to how you would help someone who isn’t aware (or capable to know--but not in a medical sense) that they need help. You've said before that the worst thing you can do is try to help (especially when no one asked for help), but how have you handled in the past cases when someone isn’t aware that they need help for depression?

Seems like it would be very tough without the person being motivated.

As always, thank you for all you do,

Guillermo Campos

Rhonda, Matt, and David will reply on the podcast.

David and Rhonda are grateful that Matt can join us often on the podcast.