Psychoanalytic psychologist, CBT, coach
“Savior syndrome is a psychological condition when a person seeks to help others at the expense of their own interests, sacrificing themselves for the benefit of others. This type of behavior is most often found in people who have greater social responsibility, empathy, and a desire to help.”
What we will tell you about:
In psychology and behavioral sciences, rescuer syndrome is considered a form of altruistic behavior. However, it can also have negative aspects.
People with rescuer syndrome often ignore their own needs, become emotionally and physically exhausted, and feel constant anxiety and stress due to their inability to help everyone all the time.
Caring for people is important. But it is also necessary to find a balance between paying attention to one’s own needs and those of others. On the plane we are given instructions: put the oxygen mask on yourself first, then on the child.
Remember that caring about your personal well-being is not selfishness, but a guarantee of your ability to effectively help others. Therefore, understanding your limits and learning to say “no” is important to prevent burnout and maintain psychological health.
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History of the term
The origin of the term “rescue syndrome” is often associated with the field of psychology and psychotherapy. It was first used to describe a specific type of behavior characterized by a relentless desire to help others, often at the expense of one’s own health and well-being. The main reason for this is an exaggerated desire to be needed.
This phenomenon is closely related to family history, where the personal needs of the future “superhero” were ignored and the main value was caring for others to the detriment of one’s own interests.
In modern realities, psychological terms are increasingly penetrating our everyday life. Often people do not fully understand their meaning.
Some people perceive savior syndrome as an expression of altruistic feelings and a desire to help others. Others see hidden motives in this behavior. For example, the desire to control others or avoid one’s own problems.
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Approaches to studying the syndrome.
Rescuer syndrome is a popular research topic because it is common and can have negative consequences on people’s health and relationships. Within the framework of psychological research and theories, this condition is analyzed from various points of view.
1. Social psychology. A study of the influence of the environment on the development of rescuer syndrome, including cultural norms, family upbringing, and other factors that influence the formation of human behavior patterns.
2. Theory of family relations. An investigation of the relationship between child parenting style and the development of rescuer syndrome. For example, overly protective or controlling behavior in adults can become the basis for the formation of a strong desire to help others at the expense of oneself.
3. Burnout theory. What does she suggest? It is a study of the relationship between rescuer syndrome and burnout as a result of constant overwork and overexertion due to excessive involvement in caring for others.
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4. Psychodynamic approaches. An analysis of the subconscious motives and conflicts underlying excessive concern for others, based on the theory of psychoanalysis.
5. Clinical psychology. To study individual cases of rescuer syndrome with the goal of developing effective methods for diagnosing and treating this condition.
These studies and theories help to better understand the nature of rescuer syndrome, its possible causes, consequences and ways to overcome it.
Scientific studies reveal a wide range of factors that influence the development and manifestation of this condition. This contributes to the development of more effective methods of psychological assistance and support for people suffering from savior syndrome.
Various approaches and techniques enable people to realize and control their internal motives, learn to build healthy boundaries in relationships with others, and maintain emotional balance.
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Signs of rescuer syndrome
People with rescuer syndrome often exhibit certain personality traits and behaviors.
1. Extreme empathy and compassion. People with rescuer syndrome are often very sensitive to other people’s suffering and problems. They strive to help others and often sense the emotional state of others.
2. Constant willingness to help. People with rescuer syndrome will always support others, even if it affects their own needs and boundaries. This behavior often has a negative impact on the “superhero” himself. The consequences can be both physiological and psychological. From this arises the following characteristic.
3. Sacrifice. The constant desire to help, neglecting one’s own time, efforts and even health for the sake of others is the typical behavior of people with savior syndrome.
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4. Control and manipulation. Sometimes a person with savior syndrome may try to control the situation and other people, trying to provide help even without their consent. In everyday life, this will resemble some kind of obsessive behavior, a desire to “do good.”
5. Avoid your own problems. Often, a person with rescuer syndrome may use the constant caregiving of others as a way to escape their worries and dissatisfactions.
These behaviors can lead to physical and emotional exhaustion. That’s why it’s important to find a balance between caring for others and caring for yourself. You must learn to take responsibility for your life and not just for the people around you.
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Rescuer syndrome in men and women.
In addition to the common features of all “superheroes”, there are also behavioural differences. Rescuer syndrome can differ significantly in its intensity and manifestations in women and men. We can see this especially clearly in associations.
For example, sometimes the “maternal instinct” is triggered in women. The desire to take on all of a man’s burdens, justify socially unacceptable behavior, and provide maximum care and attention. All of this is about a woman as a savior.
But the constant desire to help and care can become excessive for those who do not want to build codependent relationships, where one becomes the aggressor and the other the victim. As a result, this leads to the exhaustion of the emotional resources of loved ones and to the disintegration of the union.
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Male superheroes often idealize their partners, even if they exhibit destructive behavior. Girls are portrayed as weak and innocent victims of their own helplessness. But our superhero is always ready to save his beloved from any trouble. Such relationships are also called codependent.
Rescuer syndrome is a serious condition that can affect a person’s mental and emotional well-being, as well as their interactions with others. Understanding its mechanisms is of great importance. It allows you to identify and become aware of negative behavioral and emotional patterns that lead to excessive concern for others, ignoring your needs, and fatigue.
The psychologist compiled a list of warning signs:
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Consequences of rescuer syndrome
It is worth noting that playing lifeguard has a significant impact on emotional and mental health. Let’s look at some of these consequences.
1. Exhaustion and burnout. Constantly caring for others at the expense of one’s own needs can lead to rapid energy loss and fatigue. Rescuers attract people who “need help.” They enter into codependent relationships. The result is a vicious cycle with no ability to exhale.
2. Feelings of helplessness and resentment. The feeling that others do not appreciate or recognize the efforts of a person with rescue syndrome leads to resentment.
3. Low self-esteem and self-worth. The constant need to help others can lead to feelings of inadequacy in a person with rescuer syndrome. A shift in focus of attention hinders the development of one’s own skills, hobbies, and personality in general. The consequence can be passive aggression.
Overall, rescuer syndrome has a significant impact on a person’s relationships and emotional well-being, so it’s important to seek support and learn to find a balance between caring for your own needs and those of others.
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How to get rid of savior syndrome?
Modern psychological science does not stand still. The scientific community has been studying the phenomenon of rescuers and ways to combat it for quite some time.
1. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This approach will help a person recognize and change negative thoughts and behaviors that reinforce the desire to always save others.
2. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). This method will help develop skills to regulate emotions, control stress and improve relationships with others.
3. Group therapy. Participating in general therapy sessions can help you set boundaries, communicate effectively, and find a balance between helping others and taking care of yourself.
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In addition to working with a specialist, it is important to be able to independently identify areas for growth and strive to develop healthy self-awareness.
1. Set boundaries. It is important to learn to say “no” and define personal boundaries in relationships with others. People who truly care about you will not leave you, even if you don’t drop everything you are doing and go help them. Your loved ones will listen and understand.
2. Self-analysis. Try to understand where your savior syndrome comes from. Pay attention to your own needs and emotions. Acknowledge your merits and victories, accept your self-worth and significance.
3. Self-care. Be mindful of your physical and emotional well-being. Make time for exercise, meditation, hobbies, or other activities that bring you pleasure. Take responsibility for your life.
4. Seeking support. Talk to a psychologist or psychotherapist. Communication with a professional will identify the causes of this condition and help develop healthy coping strategies.
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Working to manage rescuer syndrome allows a person to set healthy boundaries in relationships, develop self-care skills, learn to express needs effectively, and pay attention to their own emotional well-being.
This helps reduce stress and excess responsibility. You will also be able to improve your relationships with others. Your relationship will be based on respect, support and emotional openness.
Overcoming this condition requires conscious work on oneself, self-knowledge and the will to change old habits so that life is more balanced and emotionally healthy.
Understanding rescuer syndrome is therefore a key step towards personal development, improving the quality of relationships and ensuring a healthy mental state. Showing self-care, respecting personal boundaries and balancing helping others with one’s own needs contributes to the development of self-awareness and overall well-being.
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