Don't get me wrong, i know self-care helps build resilience, which is important to help us cope and overcome issues like overworking, burnout, fears of losing your job, fears of being broke, etc. But I really don't think self-care is the only solution to these problems. They don't help us confront adversaries that affects our mental health in the first place. These can even be harmful because it make us content with adversaries. By changing the way we think and feel, somehow the world will become a better place?
I don't like how managers, team leaders, or employers are promoting self-care as the only solution to any work-related problems. Some problems are more systematic and a single people may have less control over it. It seems like a cheap way to increase productivity without making systemic changes, like more pay, more benefits, or even UDI or a welfare system. In other words, the way self-care is promoted places all the burden of wellbeing towards individual workers, while companies and the state share none of that burden.
Correct me if I'm wrong, I'm not really well versed in the concepts of capitalism. But i know that capitalism promotes competition, globalisation, and consumerism, which can make us miserable and lonely. Many people are out chasing success and finding opportunities abroad, at a cost of uprooting established social connections. And then theres also putting up with issues at work. Sometimes overtime is encouraged and pay is low. Rather than fighting for change, people are encouraged to just leave the job or practice self-care.
There are other issues that also affects the mental health of individuals, like economic issues, political issues, and career-specific issues. For example, when the economy undergoes recession, people fear losing their jobs and their homes. Another example, teachers feel burnout from high expectations from admins and having to teach 30+ students in one class. I don't think promoting self-care will do much to these people at all. They will cope better, but the problem causing them stress is still there.
The mental health of people is very complex, with so many interconnected factors contributing to it, including the status quo. To truly improve mental health of people, I think it's important to at least open a dialogue of how the status quo is affecting us. And find ways to challenge and reform the status quo for better, rather than just relying on self-care.