I’m starting to wonder if a shift toward mental health awareness (largely a good thing) has a downside — too much attention turned inward.

Have you become less positive, active, or outwardly engaged since starting SE/therapy? I think I’m a lot less fun these days. Maybe it’s only a problem for me but I’m curious about your experiences.

Potential problems: - For a lot of health and mental health issues, the top 5 best prevention methods are vigorous exercise, sleep, eating healthy, and supportive friendships. Does SE help you do any of those? It might, for some!

For me, self-analysis feels more like an absorbing distraction from all of those things.

• Being self-absorbed can exacerbate selfishness and loneliness. Therapy is usually a ‘me-focused’ process. I think there’s a risk of getting very absorbed in our own heads, fascinated by our own selves, and becoming self-absorbed. How do you translate your SE process into engagement with others or benefit to others?

• Accomplishing things out in ‘the real world’ feels good and is good for self-esteem. Does SE help you accomplish concrete goals you care about, other than healing?

• Doing things for other people or for the greater good is good for most people’s sense of purpose. Does SE motivate you to help others?