Hiding Behind the Busy: Coping with Inner Turmoil in the Name of Social Impact

Many of us find meaning in making a difference and helping others. It can feel great to focus on social change and community work, especially when we’re dealing with our own emotional struggles. This inner turmoil, like anxiety, stress, and sadness, can come from things like past trauma, ongoing stress, low self-esteem, feeling like our emotional needs aren’t met, or having issues with our identity or relationships. By putting our energy into making an impact, we often distract ourselves from these personal issues, finding a way to escape the emotional pain we carry inside.

When we dive into activities that help others or aim to make a difference, it keeps us busy and gives us less time to think about our own problems. Achieving goals and getting recognition from others boosts our self-esteem and makes us feel good, at least for a while. This sense of control and purpose helps us feel less powerless and more connected to something bigger than ourselves. Plus, the rush of accomplishment and positive feedback from others can give us a burst of dopamine, the brain’s feel-good chemical, reinforcing our efforts.

However, focusing too much on making an impact can have its downsides. It can become a way to avoid dealing with the real issues causing our inner distress, which means these problems don’t go away. When our sense of self-worth depends heavily on external achievements and validation, we can feel vulnerable if these sources dry up. Constantly striving to make a difference can also lead to burnout, leaving us physically and emotionally drained.

To find a healthier balance, it’s important to mix external efforts with some internal work. Practicing mindfulness, seeking help from therapists or coaches, setting boundaries, and making time for self-care are all crucial. By addressing the root causes of our distress and not just covering them up with busyness, we can create a more sustainable and fulfilling way of life. This balance allows us to contribute positively to society while also taking care of our own emotional health and well-being.