7 deeply unhealthy behaviors that society has normalized, says a psychologist

From the Personal Branding Blog

If you’ve ever stopped to reflect on some common behaviors in our society, you might be surprised to realize how many are actually detrimental to our mental health.

As a psychologist, I’ve identified seven deeply unhealthy behaviors that, alarmingly, society has come to accept 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 dismiss them as typical or unavoidable 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 far too common in our society today.

1) Overworking to the point of burnout

It’s become almost a mark of honor to be busy all the time. We wear our packed schedules like badges, proudly declaring how little time we have for ourselves because we’re always hustling.

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 occurs when you feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and unable to meet constant demands.

Yet, instead of recognizing it as a serious issue that needs addressing, society often praises individuals who push themselves to this brink.

The glorification of overworking creates a 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 issues.

Remember: it’s okay to take breaks. It’s okay to prioritize yourself over your work sometimes.

Achieving a healthy work-life balance is not laziness; it’s essential for 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 work, family, friends, and countless other responsibilities over our own needs.

This behavior has become so ingrained in us that we often feel guilty or selfish when we do take time for self-care.

Yet, taking care of ourselves isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.

Just like how airplane safety instructions tell us to put on our oxygen mask before helping others, we can’t pour from an empty cup.

When we neglect self-care, we’re not just harming ourselves. We’re also less able to be there for the people who rely on us.

It’s okay—and necessary—to take time for yourself. Self-care is not selfish; it’s a fundamental part of maintaining our mental, emotional, and physical health.

Remember, you matter. Your needs and feelings are important. By taking care of yourself, you’re also better equipped to take care of others.

3) Suppression of emotions

Society often encourages us to hide our feelings, especially the negative ones.

Phrases like “suck it up,” “don’t be a crybaby,” and “keep a stiff upper lip” are familiar to many of us.

The message is clear: showing emotions, particularly 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’re signals from our brain, indicating how we’re reacting to different situations.

Suppressing them doesn’t make them go away; 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 therapeutic. It allows us to process our feelings, understand them better, and ultimately move on from them.

By normalizing emotional expression and validating people’s feelings, we can promote better mental health and well-being across society.

4) Always saying yes

Many of us have adopted the habit of always saying yes, even when we want to say no.

We say yes to:

• Social events when we’d rather stay in
• Extra work when we’re already overwhelmed
• Requests from friends and family even when it’s inconvenient

Why do we do it?

According to entrepreneur and speaker Molly Cain, this behavior is rooted in three major motivators: fear, guilt, and survival.

However, constant compliance can lead to resentment, exhaustion, and even a loss of self-identity.

Our brain is wired in such a way that each time we say yes when we want to say no, we experience stress.

This stress accumulates over time and can lead to serious health issues such as sleep disorders, heart disease, and depression.

Learning to assert ourselves and set boundaries is crucial for our mental and physical health.

It’s okay to say no when you need to, and it’s essential for maintaining healthy relationships and 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 else is leading a perfect, flawless life. It’s no wonder many of us fall into the trap of comparison.

However, this behavior can have damaging effects on our self-esteem and mental health.

It can make us feel inadequate, leading to feelings of anxiety, depression, and even a sense of worthlessness.

The truth is, what we see on social media is often not an accurate representation of someone’s life.

Everyone has their own struggles and challenges that they don’t broadcast to the world.

Instead of comparing ourselves to others, we should focus on our own journey and progress.

Remember that every person is unique; we all have our own paths and timelines. Life isn’t a competition.

The only person you should strive to be better than is the person you were yesterday.

6) Normalizing lack of sleep

Many of us are familiar with the phrase “I’ll sleep when I’m dead.”

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’d regularly work through the night, convinced that sleep was a luxury I couldn’t afford.

However, consistent lack of sleep can wreak havoc on our mental and physical health.

Sleep deprivation can lead to mood swings, memory issues, weakened immunity, and even an increased risk of heart disease and diabetes.

Sleep is not a luxury—it’s a necessity for our bodies to function properly.

It’s time we stop glorifying the hustle culture that promotes sleep deprivation and start prioritizing restful nights for our overall well-being.

Just like eating healthily or exercising regularly, getting enough sleep should be an integral part of our daily routine.

7) Ignoring mental health

Lastly, in our society, we tend to focus a lot on physical health while brushing mental health under the rug.

We go for regular check-ups, take our vitamins, and hit the gym, but when it comes to taking care of our mental health, many of us fall short.

Mental health is just as important as physical health – there’s no two ways about it.

Ignoring signs of stress, anxiety, depression, or any other mental health issues 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, reach out for help. Speak to a trusted friend, family member or professional.

There’s no shame in seeking therapy or counseling.

Prioritizing your mental health is not a sign of weakness; it’s an act of strength.

It’s high time we break the stigma around mental health and start treating it with the importance it deserves.

Final thought: The importance of self-awareness

As we navigate through life and society’s norms, it’s crucial to remember to stay self-aware.

Recognize these unhealthy behaviors when they appear in your life and understand that just because they’re normalized, doesn’t mean they’re good for you.

Your mental and physical health should always be a priority.

Don’t allow societal pressures to make you neglect yourself. It’s okay to take breaks, express your emotions, say no when you need to, and seek help when things get tough.

Remember, you have the power to break these unhealthy patterns.

Start today by recognizing these behaviors, choosing health over societal expectations, and embracing a healthier lifestyle. Your future self will thank you for it.

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