Altruism is acting to help someone else at some cost to oneself. It can include a vast range of behaviors, from sacrificing one’s life to save others, to giving money to charity or volunteering at a soup kitchen, to simply waiting a few seconds to hold the door open for a stranger. Often, people behave altruistically when they see others in challenging circumstances and feel empathy and a desire t
What Is Altruism? (Plain Language Explanation)
Altruism refers to a pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that many people experience. While it can be challenging, it's also well-understood and treatable.
Key Terms to Know About Altruism
- Symptoms: The specific ways altruism shows up for you
- Triggers: Situations or thoughts that activate or worsen altruism
- Evidence-based: Treatments backed by scientific research
- Comorbidity: When altruism occurs alongside other conditions
3 Things Most People Don't Know About Altruism
- Altruism is far more common than most people realize
- Altruism is not caused by weakness — it has identifiable biological and psychological causes
- Most people with altruism see significant improvement with the right support
Your Next Steps
Learning about altruism is just the beginning. If you think you're experiencing altruism, speaking with a mental health professional is the most valuable next step.