If you’ve ever stopped to consider some of the common behaviors in our society, you might be surprised to realize how many are actually harmful to our mental health.
As a psychologist, I have identified seven deeply unhealthy behaviors that, alarmingly, society has accepted as normal.
These behaviors can range from overworking and neglecting self-care to tolerating toxicity in relationships.They can cause stress, anxiety, and even lead to mental health disorders.
Yet we often think of them as inherent or inevitable parts of life.
It’s important to remember that just because a behavior is normalized doesn’t mean it’s healthy.With this article, I hope to shed light on these behaviors and encourage a much-needed change in perspective.
Let’s dive in together and explore these seven deeply unhealthy behaviors that are all too common in our society today.
1) overwork to the point of burnout
Being constantly busy has almost become a badge of honor.We wear our packed schedules like badges, proudly proclaiming how little time we have for ourselves because we’re always in a rush.
This constant drive to achieve, to never stop, to always do more can lead to chronic stress and eventually burnout.
Burnout is a state of emotional, mental, and often physical exhaustion caused by prolonged and excessive stress.
It happens when you feel overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted and unable to meet the constant demands.
Yet, instead of recognizing it as a serious problem that needs to be addressed, society often praises individuals who push themselves to the brink.
The glorification of working too hard creates the false belief that success can only be achieved through relentless effort at the expense of self-care and mental health.
This unhealthy behavior can lead to sleep problems, mental health disorders such as anxiety or depression, and even physical health problems.
Remember, it’s okay to take breaks. It’s okay to prioritize your work sometimes.
Achieving a healthy work-life balance is not laziness. it is essential to our overall well-being.
This brings me to the next point…
2) Neglecting self-care
In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to put ourselves last. We tend to prioritize our own needs over work, family, friends, and countless other responsibilities.
These behaviors are so ingrained in us that we often feel guilty or selfish when we take time for self-care.
However, taking care of ourselves isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity.
Just as airplane safety instructions tell us to put on an oxygen mask before helping others, we cannot fill from an empty cup.
When we neglect self-love, we don’t just hurt ourselves, we are also less likely to be around people who rely on us.
It is good and necessary to take time for yourself. Self-care is not selfish. it is a fundamental part of maintaining our mental, emotional and physical health.
Remember, you matter. Your needs and feelings matter. By taking care of yourself, you are also better equipped to take care of others.
3) Suppression of emotions
Society often encourages us to hide our emotions, especially negative ones.
“Suck it up,” “don’t be a whiner,” and “keep a tight upper lip” are familiar phrases to most of us.
The message is clear. showing emotions, especially in public, is a sign of weakness.
However, this behavior does more harm than good.
Emotions are a natural part of the human experience.They are signals from our brains that show how we react to different situations.
Suppressing them does not remove them. it just buries them deeper where they can fester and cause emotional turmoil or physical illness.
Expressing emotions in a healthy way can be incredibly healing. It allows us to process our emotions, better understand them, and ultimately move on from them.
By normalizing emotional expression and validating people’s feelings, we can contribute to better mental health and well-being across society.
4) Always saying yes
Most of us have adopted the habit of always saying yes, even when we want to say no.
We say yes
- Social events when we prefer to stay there
- Extra work when we are already overwhelmed
- Asking friends and family, even when it’s inconvenient
Why do we do this?
According to entrepreneur and speaker Molly Cain, this behavior is based on three main motivations: fear, guilt, and survival.
However, constant conformity can lead to resentment, burnout, and even loss of identity.
Our brains are wired in such a way that every time we say yes, whenever we want to say no, we experience stress.
This stress builds up over time and can lead to serious health problems such as sleep disorders, heart disease and depression.
Learning to assert yourself and set boundaries is important for our mental and physical health.
It’s okay to say no when you need to, and it’s important to maintain a healthy relationship and have a balanced life.
5) comparing ourselves to others
In today’s digital age, it’s easier than ever to compare ourselves to others.
Social media platforms are filled with carefully curated highlights of people’s lives, making it seem like everyone is living a perfect, flawless life. It’s no wonder so many of us fall into the trap of comparison.
However, this behavior can have a detrimental effect on our self-esteem and mental health.
It can make us feel inadequate, leading to anxiety, depression, and even feelings of worthlessness.
The truth is, what we see on social media is often not an accurate representation of anyone’s life.
Everyone has their own struggles and challenges that they don’t broadcast to the world.
We should focus on our own journey and progress instead of comparing ourselves to others.
Remember that every person is unique. we all have our own paths and schedules. Life is not a competition.
The only person you should strive to be better than is the person you were yesterday.
6) normalization of lack of sleep
Many of us are familiar with the expression “I will sleep when I die.”
It’s a saying often used to justify late-night work sessions, pulling all-nighters, or skipping sleep to keep up with our busy lives.
I remember a time when I was juggling multiple projects and I would regularly work through the night, convinced that sleep was a luxury I could not afford.
However, chronic lack of sleep can harm our mental and physical health.
Lack of sleep can lead to low mood, memory problems, weakened immunity, and even an increased risk of heart disease and diabetes.
Sleep is not a luxury, it is a necessity for our body to function properly.
It’s time we stop glorifying the culture of excitement that promotes sleep deprivation and start prioritizing restful nights for our overall well-being.
Just like eating healthy or exercising regularly, getting enough sleep should be an integral part of our daily routine.
7) Neglect of mental health
Finally, in our society we tend to focus too much on physical health, sweeping mental health under the rug.
We go for regular checkups, take our vitamins, and hit the gym, but when it comes to taking care of our mental health, most of us fall short.
Mental health is as important as physical health. there are no two ways about it.
Ignoring the signs of stress, anxiety, depression, or other mental health problems doesn’t make them go away. On the contrary, it can make them worse.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or just not quite right, talk to a trusted friend, family member, or professional.
There is no shame in seeking therapy or counseling.
Prioritizing your mental health is not a sign of weakness. it is an act of force.
It’s time to break the stigma around mental health and start treating it with the importance it deserves.
A final thought. The importance of self-awareness
As we navigate life and society’s norms, it’s important to remember to stay self-aware.
Recognize these unhealthy behaviors when they appear in your life and realize that just because they are normalized doesn’t mean they are good for you.
Your mental and physical health should always be a priority.
Don’t let societal pressures make you neglect yourself. It’s okay to take breaks, express your feelings, say no when you need to, and seek help when the going gets tough.
Remember, you can break these unhealthy patterns.
Start today by recognizing these behaviors, choosing health over societal expectations, and adopting a healthier lifestyle.Your future self will thank you for it.