You Can't Save Everyone: The Issue With The Savior Complex
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

You Can't Save Everyone: The Issue With The Savior Complex

The savior complex is real, and quite frankly, no matter how altruistic it seems like it is, it's not going to have a happy ending.

4247
You Can't Save Everyone: The Issue With The Savior Complex
ISB Updates

Have you ever met someone who's so selfless it’s virtually impossible to convince them that they have to look out for themselves once in awhile? They could have the savior, or messiah complex when it comes to dealing with other people. There is an actual disorder, recognized as Self-Defeating Personality Disorder or Masochistic Personality Disorder, although it required more research after being put in the DSM-IV in 1987. In hindsight, it sounds like a nice quality trait that can motivate someone, whether it's career wise or in their journey to become a free-spirited altruistic being. To refer to this as being a savior, there are good intentions until the underlying motivations, and how it affects others, are realized.


The savior complex is known as a psychological construct which makes a person feel the need to save other people. This person has a strong tendency to seek people who desperately need help and to assist them, often sacrificing their own needs for these people. Many people believe that dedicating their entire existence to helping people who seem to need help, even in a minuscule way, they will, in turn, receive love, approval, and therefore live a happier life. One may automatically think of those who engage in humanitarian work– as this is a conspicuous trait they would have– but there's a slight difference. Those who allow their savior complex to control them, they will insert their help into a situation even if the person initially refuses it. This becomes unhealthy, as others take their help for granted, and rarely express being grateful since they feel entitled. Another reason that makes the savior complex so difficult is that these people never put themselves first, ever, which diminishing their psychological state and can create feelings of resentment.

People who clearly recognize their savior complex do not fight it, but instead, they justify it. "It's a noble thing to do," "I am happy with making others happy," and the biggest excuse, "I'm making a difference," which further allows them to condone their own behavior.

The second of the four agreements, "Don't Take Anything Personally" in a book written by Don Miguel Ruiz is called "The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom" has a few points that may be helpful for anyone who struggles with such complex.

He states, "Whatever happens around you, don't take it personally... Nothing other people do is because of you. It is because of themselves. When we take something personally, we make the assumption that they know what is in our world, and we try to impose our world on their world... They can hook you easily with one little opinion and feed you whatever poison they want, and because you take it personally, you eat it up... If you do not take it personally, you are immune..."

The couple of points in their most simplified state are, "You are only responsible for you," and "Whatever another person thinks is their own problem. They are dealing with themselves, not you."

Some solutions are to allow others to process their own emotions, be mindful of choices, set boundaries, make "maybe" or "no" the initial response to requests, and to let people take responsibilities for their own actions.

The savior complex is a trait that the majority have, but allowing it to run one's life can make it harmful to their well-being. The sublimation technique of engaging in socially acceptable behavior such as humanitarian work, rather than the savior complex, is one of the most the beneficial choices.


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

70904
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

132485
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments