A therapist breaks down the fine line between healing yourself and escaping from life

Self-care, an essential practice for feeling your best, is about giving yourself adequate care and attention.

As psychotherapist and author Stephanie Sarkis tells CNBC, “Self-care is something that we need to do on a regular basis, that helps us relax and helps us recharge.”

These habits may include exercise, spiritual reflection, or spending time with loved ones. Each action builds balance and supports overall well-being, making managing life’s challenges easier.

But as many experts warn, there’s a risk of mistaking escapism for genuine self-care. And learning to see the difference is key to protecting your mental health.

Therapist advice: What escapism really means

Sarkis describes escapism as a coping tool people often turn to when they don’t want to face something difficult.

“Escapism is when you’re doing things because you’re trying to avoid something,” she says.

This can look like endless scrolling on social media, hours of streaming, or overdoing activities that usually seem healthy, such as working out.

While the actions themselves may not be harmful, Sarkis notes that the motivation behind them often is.

People may use escapism to put off chores, delay work projects, or avoid conversations they know will be uncomfortable.

By contrast, self-care is intentional—it’s about pausing to restore energy and reconnect with yourself.

How self-care feels different from escapism

According to the therapist’s advice, the same activity can fall into either category depending on how it makes you feel.

For example, reading for relaxation after a long day can be self-care. But if reading is used to avoid making an important phone call, it leans toward escapism.

Sarkis explains that self-care helps people feel calmer, more present, and grounded. Escapism, however, often leaves people frustrated, regretful, or even upset with themselves.

She adds that when escapism takes over, “your brain may be still on that task that you’re supposed to be doing, or that event or trauma you need to work on.”

Proper self-care, on the other hand, brings a sense of clarity and peace.

The impact on mental health and well-being

Occasional escapism is normal. Taking a mental break before returning to a stressful task can sometimes be helpful.

But Sarkis warns that relying on avoidance too often can signal deeper stress and affect both mental health and well-being.

When people regularly avoid what needs attention, it can create long-term problems such as lower confidence, missed responsibilities, and feeling out of control of life.

Sarkis explains, “You may have increased cortisol levels. You may have some physical effects from it, because you aren’t taking care of the thing that you should be taking care of. And that stuff can stack up on us, not only emotionally, but physically as well. It can lead to missed deadlines. [And] it can lead to maybe not fully participating in your life.”

This shows why balance matters. Proper self-care helps restore the body and mind, while constant escapism can cause more stress in the long run.

Shifting back toward self-care

If you notice yourself falling into escapism, ask why you’re engaging in the activity.

Sarkis recommends reflecting on what you might be avoiding and what changes could make life more manageable.

Support systems can also help. Reaching out to a mental health professional for therapist advice, talking to a supervisor about workload, or getting assistance with home responsibilities are all ways to regain balance.

By turning avoidance into intentional action, you can shift back to meaningful self-care. This practice truly restores energy and strengthens overall well-being.

The bottom line

Self-care is about being kind to yourself in ways that refresh your mind and body. Escapism may look similar, but its purpose is to avoid problems instead of addressing them.

With the proper awareness and therapist advice, anyone can spot the difference and choose practices that protect their mental health. Focusing on self-care rather than escape gives you the best chance to live fully and with greater peace.

For deeper insight, watch Dr. Nisha Khanna’s TEDx Talk as she explores whether escapism is truly self-care or a form of toxicity: