Self-esteem is the cardinal component of mental health, since it drives an individual's actions toward the constant improvement of his or her life. In its absence, one is instead driven to self-destruction.

Without a sense of efficacy, individuals become paralyzed, not trusting their minds sufficiently to plan their lives or to take actions essential to their self-interest.
Without a sense of self-worth, individuals are not motivated to make themselves the beneficiaries of their actions. In many cases such persons may be subconsciously driven to behavior that sabotages the self, such as alcoholism, drug addiction, addictive gambling, and other actions that endanger one's life or mental well-being.