The opposite of our self-care doctrine

Mental disorders account for 13% of the global disease burden, and major depression alone is expected to be the largest contributor by 2030, according to the WHO. No wonder there’s more attention on our mental wellbeing, at work, at home, on socials, everywhere. However, the way in which we take care of our well-being most of the time – by analyzing our feelings and looking inwards – might not always be the best solution.

Numerous studies on what makes people happy revolve around positive psychology interventions that divert your attention away from yourself instead, by helping others, being with friends or practising gratitude. This is the opposite of the current ‘self-care’ doctrine, but getting out of our heads (and into the world around us) could help us get away from negative ruminations which can be the basis of so many mental health problems.