CMV: It's okay to say that you want to help yourself, even if you are a mental health professional.

I work in mental health. I help others all day. However, I do not believe in the concept of "selfless." I want to help myself, and I want to be better. I also believe that if I am happy in my own skin and life, I can show others how to be happy as well. This is a common theme in therapy.<br><br>I tell all of my clients that in order to be happy, you need to make decisions that benefit yourself. If you need to end a relationship that is no longer serving you, end it. If you need to go on a vacation, go on one. If you need to socialize, socialize.<br><br>However, I've noticed that when I say that I'm a mental health professional, people often say, "But, aren't you supposed to want to help others? It's not selfless at all, because you are making money."<br><br>I am not sure how I feel about this. Is it not okay for someone in the field of mental health to want to help themselves? Why do we have to be selfless, and not selfish? I want to be selfish. I want to be the best version of myself.<br><br>CMV.<br><br>Edit: I am an LPC in the state of CO. I see clients with severe mental illness in the hospital.<br><br>Edit #2: I would not have been having a crisis if I did not have a job. I was making almost 60k a year at 23. I had a house, and a car, and everything I needed. I was in crisis when I wasn't working.<br><br>Edit #3: I am not talking about being lazy. I know that a lot of people are struggling, and I want everyone to be doing their best. I also believe that in order to be doing your best, you have to be taking care of yourself. I am not talking about being lazy. I am talking about exercise, eating healthy, hanging out with friends, and engaging in hobbies.