5 Things Mentally Healthy People Avoid

"There seems to be a plethora of online advice about how to achieve and maintain good mental health. Many therapists, coaches, and wellness professionals tell us to eat well, exercise, think positively, and practice self-care. I also previously wrote about the 10 qualities of mentally healthy people. However, it's just as important to identify the things we shouldn't do. There are many ways that we can undermine our well-being and fall into spirals of negativity, depression, and anxiety."

"Blaming others/having a victim mentality: Although it's true that we often experience difficult circumstances that are out of our control, it's important to remember that we're capable of controlling some things that happen to us. The more confident of that control we become, the more prepared we are, and we're less likely to be taken for granted by others. Focusing on self-pity or believing that we are helpless will quickly damage our self-esteem and our mental health."

Abundant online advice emphasizes eating well, exercising, positive thinking, and self-care, but recognizing harmful habits is equally important. Certain behaviors—adopting a victim mentality, seeking immediate gratification, excessive complaining, comparing oneself to curated lives, and unconscious relationship sabotage—undermine emotional stability. Believing oneself helpless erodes self-esteem and reduces others' empathy. Choosing short-term rewards like spending paychecks or taking immediate jobs can impede long-term goals such as saving for retirement or completing college. Focusing on controllable actions, recognizing small successes, and avoiding comparisons builds confidence, resilience, and healthier relationships.

Read at Psychology Today