Self-Love and self-esteem are very close, but self love is a reflection of one of the highest vibrations of blissful, psychic consciousness a being could have. If there is little consideration for oneself, for those raised in a repressed environment or have had to endure one, then the personal self image could be very low.
One of the important purposes in life is to find the spirit. Once found, one can easily embrace it, love it, nurture it and dedicate oneself to spreading love and light outward to people in the form of service.