To think society should stop glorifying self-care and prioritise community care?

85 replies

ThatJoyousCyanReader · 03/11/2024 17:14

Are we too focused on self-care and forgetting how to show up for others?

OP posts:

coffeesaveslives · 03/11/2024 17:37

If you don't spend time looking after yourself, you won't have the energy to look after others.

Both are vital, imo.

itsmabeline · 03/11/2024 17:37

Do you have any more specific examples OP of the kind of thing you mean?

FamilyPhoto · 03/11/2024 17:36

Both are important.

SallyWD · 03/11/2024 17:35

I do agree with you. I think in our society people have become quite selfish. I've married into an Asian family, and I do notice a difference. They are more focussed on others and the wider fanily than the average Brit is. I see so many posts on Mumsnet where people are actively encouraged to be selfish and not worry about anyone's else's feelings.
I do think we've lost a sense of community in many places, and that's a real shame.
I'll say one thing, though. Self care is very important. I myself care for several people, and I know that if I don't look after myself, I'm no good to anyone else. I really need to make sure I have time to eat well, exercise, have some time to relax and charge my batteries. If I don't, I'm a frazzled mess and can't look after others.

waltzingparrot · 03/11/2024 17:34

Church used to offer that function, still does as best it can, but how many people do you know that go there now and offer their community support. What other organisation has taken their place, and can be the hub for organised support?

Surgicalprecison · 03/11/2024 17:28

People have stopped being interested in other people at a human level and treat them more as specimens in a zoo to be liked or put in their place. People have dissociated from their humanity, that's the problem.

Wellingtonspie · 03/11/2024 17:24

It’s a lack of community that’s created this.

Before people knew their neighbours, the local children played out together with different mums keeping an eye out. You knew the “Nosey Parker’s” across the road would know everything about anyone. Little old betty the widow who had lived there 50 years and so on.

Not many communities exist like that now.

Original poster

ThatJoyousCyanReader · 03/11/2024 17:20

Goody2ShoesAndTheFilthyBeast · 03/11/2024 17:15

Can you explain a bit more what you mean?
I think a balance of needs is good and reasonable and I think most people probably do.

Sure! I absolutely agree that balance is key. I just wonder if, in our current culture, there’s an overemphasis on self-care that sometimes leads us to overlook the importance of supporting each other. Self-care is crucial, but maybe we could also focus more on community care - checking in on others, offering help, and building a support network. I think both self-care and community care are important, but I wonder if we’re missing out on some of that mutual support by focusing so heavily on the individual side.

OP posts:

helpfulperson · 03/11/2024 17:17

I think that people are so focussed on what is right for them that they have forgotten that that might not be the best for the family/local area/general population. This is demonstrated by, for example, the number of people who think that it is OK to sing along at a musical because they like to do so. Or those who sit in seats that have been booked by others such as on the train and then say 'but I need the charger'

Goody2ShoesAndTheFilthyBeast · 03/11/2024 17:15

Can you explain a bit more what you mean?
I think a balance of needs is good and reasonable and I think most people probably do.

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