Self-sacrificing people have an increased risk of depression

Self-sacrificing people have an increased risk of depression

Pleasers – people who are too nice for their own good – are at increased risk of depression. While altruism and philanthropy are undoubtedly much-needed virtues, self-sacrificing people often feel victimized. This is because when they continually abdicate or give up their personal goals and interests for others, ignoring the little voice in the back of their minds that warns them to take time and be quiet before meeting the demands of others, it is natural to feel emotionally drained and drained. The little voice, the conscience keeper, plays an important role in balancing the innate desire to stay in the comfort zone and avoid the possibility of displeasing others by saying “no.”

In an increasingly competitive world, giving up on your personal goals is not a virtue. People who willingly sacrifice themselves at the altar of other people's interests run the risk of being taken as an object of joy by their own people. Sometimes they make others angry because of their excessive sweetness. Because of their tendency to please everyone, people-pleasing personalities are torn between conflicting decisions, which can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and depression.

Signs of a people-friendly personality

A people pleaser can have the following qualities:

• They struggle to say no, regardless of the consequences. Wake them up at midnight and they would be willing to forgo sleep to deal with a drunk friend's call.

• They are the typical personality on the wall. No one asks their opinion or asks them about their decisions because it is known that they would agree with what others say. Over time, it becomes depressing as the person feels used.

• People who like it crave approval. They are needy. They feel depressed when they are criticized for their actions or lack of decision-making skills.

• They question themselves carefully and think about whether they hurt someone intentionally or unintentionally.

• Most people who have fun are afraid of negative emotions.

• People's desire to be liked by people borders on neurotic.

Learning to let go of the habit

Most people behind closed doors are terribly lonely and depressed. They feel undervalued and victimized as friends and family they helped with their sacrifices trampled on them. Due to the accumulated anger and self-neglect they go through, they soon suffer emotional burnout from which they either emerge vengeful and not caring about anyone in the future. You could fall further into the pit of depression.

It is necessary to let go of the people-pleasing habit as soon as possible. One could also seek the help of a psychiatrist and learn self-coping skills such as:

• How to take risks and say no

• How to make yourself important without someone else taking advantage of your good behavior

• How to be assertive without sounding rude

• How to express without suppressing emotions

I'm looking for help with depression

As a human being, it is not possible to be bright, sunny and pleasant all day and at all times. Everyone gets stressed at some point. But every person is responsible for their own happiness. It is important to instill feelings of self-esteem and self-love and to live with a generous heart that helps everyone. Depression is a serious mental disorder and needs to be treated at the earliest with the right intervention and at the right time. Delaying the matter can prove disastrous.

Inspired by Barbara Odozi