Facts To Know!! Confident people feel free to express their successes and their failures publicly. Over time, low self-esteem can lead to depression, according to a study by researchers at the University of Basel. Childhood abuse raises the risk of low self-esteem. You cannot have confidence without self-love. Self-esteem is a state of mind, and it can be changed. Self Esteem & Confidence Watch short video introduction on what Self Esteem & Confidence looks like.