I would invite you to replace the concept of self-esteem with self-acceptance. Self-esteem is dependent on one's achievements, popularity, success and other external circumstances. It is hard to have self-esteem when you have failed, feel left out or ignored or when things seem to be falling apart. Self-acceptance means having compassion for yourself, despite your failings, weaknesses, loneliness, confusion, etc. Self-esteem is fragile; self-acceptance is more durable.