People Pleasing Is Destroying Your Mental Health

People pleasing is one of the most destructive relational patterns Dr. Baldwin sees in therapy. Most people have no idea it started in childhood, as a survival strategy, long before they could understand what was happening. In this episode, she breaks down where this pattern actually comes from, why it mimics anxiety and depression, and why it doesn't even guarantee the connection you're working so hard to protect. → How people pleasing develops in childhood, before you have the words for it → Why it's less about kindness and more about control through approval → The anxiety overlap: overthinking, second-guessing, social hypervigilance → Why people pleasing can eventually start to look like depression → A real first step: noticing the gap between what's being asked and what you feel → How to start small, with the people who already feel safe This is for you if you've ever agreed to something and immediately regretted it, if you're exhausted from managing everyone else's reactions, or if you've started to lose track of what you even want anymore. Disclaimer: The content shared on this page is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute psychotherapy, counseling, or any form of professional mental health treatment. Viewing, commenting on, or engaging with this content does not establish a therapist-client relationship. The information provided is general in nature and may not apply to your individual circumstances. Please consult a licensed mental health professional for personalized advice and support. Please note that I am unable to respond to direct messages or comments regarding clinical concerns, personal mental health questions, or requests for therapeutic advice. Social media is not a secure or appropriate platform for clinical communication, and any such messages received will not be answered. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency or crisis, please call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), call 911, or go to your nearest emergency room.