Pooja Lakshmin, psychiatrist specializing in women's mental health, discusses the flaws of the wellness industry and the true meaning of self-care. They explore the difference between burnout and despair, critique the concept of burnout and its impact on marginalized groups, and examine the lack of systemic fixes in the media world. The challenges of practicing self-care, the dangers of misinformation in the wellness industry, and the importance of seeking professional treatment are also discussed.
True self-care requires internal reflection and making hard choices based on your circumstances and resources, not relying on external products or quick fixes from the wellness industry.
Burnout should not solely be blamed on the individual, as it often results from larger social issues and systemic failures. Recognizing the external forces that contribute to burnout is crucial for real self-care.
Deep dives
The Myth of Self-Care
Real self-care is an internal process that involves doing the work of setting boundaries, dealing with self-talk, and navigating relationships. It is not about external products like yoga classes or meditation apps. The wellness industry often sells prescriptive solutions that offer quick fixes, which can be appealing during times of social chaos. However, true self-care requires internal reflection, aligning with your values, and making hard choices based on your circumstances and resources.
Burnout versus Despair
Burnout is often seen as the individual's responsibility to be more resilient, but it is important to recognize that external factors, such as systemic failures or societal betrayal, can contribute to burnout. Burnout should not solely be blamed on the individual, as it often results from larger social issues. It is crucial to distinguish between burnout and despair, acknowledging the external forces that contribute to these feelings and understanding that changing systems is essential for real self-care.
The Flawed Notion of Martyrdom
Martyrdom of motherhood is a paradoxical concept where women make themselves smaller and suffer internally while taking care of their families. There is a societal pressure to constantly juggle work and family, leaving little room for personal reflection or slowing down. Real self-care involves making choices that prevent martyrdom by setting boundaries and prioritizing values. However, it is important to recognize that not everyone has the same resources or support systems to easily make these choices.
Navigating Wellness and the Internet
The internet is filled with misinformation and wellness trends that may mislead people into believing they have found a quick solution. It is crucial to be skeptical and do thorough research before buying into any wellness claims. Differentiating between wellness and actual mental health treatment is important. While wellness practices can improve overall well-being, they may not be sufficient for clinical illnesses like depression or anxiety. Understanding the difference and seeking professional guidance when needed is vital.
Pooja Lakshmin MD is a psychiatrist and writer, specialising in women's mental health. The founder of digital women's health platform Gemma, she is a regular contributor to The New York Times, where she writes about wellness and self-care (amongst other subjects) about which she is currently writing a book. We talk about what the business of wellness gets wrong, what real self-care looks like and the difference between burnout and despair.