# 96 - The Dark Side of Good Intention: Toxic Altruism

The Lemon Tree Coaching

At first glance, altruism, acting out of concern for the well-being of others, sounds like a virtuous, selfless pursuit. But what happens when that desire to help goes too far? What happens when it becomes unhealthy, harmful, or even counterproductive? We’ve all heard about people who “burn out” from too much giving or who become entangled in toxic relationships that look like charity but are deeply exploitative.

Today, we’ll unpack toxic altruism, how it manifests in various aspects of life, and what we can do to strike a healthier balance between helping others and taking care of ourselves.

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Other Important Resources:
National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline call [phone], or text: loveis to 225
loveisrespect.org
A Call For Change Helpline [phone]. Visit their website at acallforchangehelpline.org.
Al-Anon
SAMHSA’s National Helpline
Laura's House
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
The National Domestic Violence Hotline [phone].SAFE (7233)
or TEXT the word “start to 88788
National Emergency Telephone Number in Australia - dial 000

Hello & Welcome to The Lemon Tree Coaching Podcast. Each week Dr. Allison Sucamele will be taking the science of positive psychology, adding a little humor, and through evidence-based research, providing you with tools and strategies to help you live a life of peace and purpose.