Over the past decade or two, self-care has become a cultural priority, with apps, retreats, and more growing in popularity. Entire industries have formed around the idea that taking better care of oneself leads to happiness. And research supports this—mindfulness reduces stress, better sleep improves mood, and movement helps combat depression.

But here's something less talked about: too much inward focus can backfire.

Several studies show a concerning fact: Increased self-focused attention consistently links to higher levels of depression, anxiety, and negative mood. The very act of constantly turning inward—even for seemingly healthy reasons—can worsen the distress many try to avoid.

There is a difference between reflection and rumination. Reflection involves stepping back and applying what one has learned in life. Rumination happens when someone keeps dwelling on the same problems and gets stuck on them. Excessive rumination often goes hand in hand with self-preoccupation. When attention and worry are mainly focused on one’s own interests, it can cause a person to feel more isolated from others and trapped in a self-created bubble. A person may lose touch with their natural empathy and become disconnected from the world around them. Worrying about their own well-being can leave little room to consider the welfare of others.

I have observed this many times in my practice: some clients obsessively journal about their feelings without taking action.........

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