“Self-abandonment.”

Here’s a clearer explanation of the five signs shown in the images and what they really mean.

Ignoring Your Own Needs

This happens when someone constantly puts other people first and neglects their own wellbeing.

What it looks like:

You’re always tired or emotionally drained.

You rarely take time for rest or self-care.

You say “I’m fine” even when you’re overwhelmed.

Why it happens: Many people learn early that being “helpful” or “selfless” earns approval, so they push their own needs aside.

Healthier approach: Start checking in with yourself regularly:

What do I need right now?

Am I resting enough?

Am I saying yes when I actually want to say no?

Self-care is not selfish-it’s maintenance.

Suppressing Your Emotions

This is when someone hides their real feelings to keep the peace or avoid upsetting others.

Signs:

Pretending things don’t bother you.

Bottling up frustration, sadness, or anger.

Avoiding honest conversations.

The problem: Unexpressed emotions don’t disappear-they build pressure internally and often show up as stress, burnout, or resentment.

Healthier approach:

Acknowledge what you feel.

Express emotions calmly and honestly.

Allow yourself to have boundaries around what hurts you.

Emotions are signals, not weaknesses.

Weak or No Boundaries

Boundaries define what you are comfortable with and what you are not.

When someone struggles with boundaries, they may:

Feel guilty saying “no.”

Agree to things they don’t want to do.

Feel taken advantage of.

Why this happens: People fear disappointing others or being rejected.

Healthier approach: Start small:

“I can’t do that today.”

“I need some time for myself.”

“Let me think about it.”

Boundaries protect your energy and relationships.

Seeking External Validation

This happens when self-worth depends heavily on other people’s approval.

Signs:

Constantly worrying what others think.

Needing praise to feel confident.

Making choices based on what will impress people.

The risk: Your identity becomes shaped by others rather than your own values.

Healthier approach:

Focus on your personal values.

Make decisions that align with your goals.

Recognize your own progress without waiting for approval.

Confidence grows internally, not from applause.

Losing Your Personal Identity

This is the deeper result of long-term self-abandonment.

People may:

Forget what they truly enjoy.

Adapt themselves to fit different people.

Follow others’ lifestyles rather than their own interests.

What this means: Your authentic self gets buried under expectations and roles.

Healthier approach: Reconnect with yourself:

Explore hobbies and interests.

Reflect on what genuinely excites you.

Make decisions based on your personal goals.

Your identity should be self-directed, not crowd-directed.

In simple terms: Self-abandonment happens when you stop showing up for yourself emotionally, mentally, and physically.

Recovery is about:

Listening to your needs

Expressing your feelings

Setting boundaries

Trusting your values

Rediscovering who you are

A powerful reminder: Taking care of yourself doesn’t mean you care less about others. It means you’re finally including yourself in the care you give.