I think “self help” can actually become an addiction just like drugs or alcohol.
I think it was Mark Manson who wrote about “Self help junkies” v. “self help tourists.” I really liked the metaphor because the people who turn to self help content when they are going through a tough time are generally using it a constructive and helpful way.
However, then you have people who are self help junkies. They get addicted to it in an overly narcissistic way. Usually to fill a void in their life. Saying affirmations every day, listening/going to every Tony Robbins seminar and generally only focusing on yourself 100% of the time probably won’t fix your problems. That only comes from putting down the self help books and actually putting in the work to repair the broken relationship, fill the void or get to the real root of your problem that made you turn to self help content at the first point.
