BED ROTTING: Is this Trend Self-Care or Self-Sabotage?

Let's talk about bed rotting. This viral social media TikTok self care trend seems to be all the rage lately, and some people seem to love this idea of bed rotting and some people don't. As a licensed therapist, I have some thoughts on this. We often see these self care or self help trends on social media, they go viral or perhaps they start from people without mental health or professional background. When we see these self care trends like bed rotting, we should always caution. These types of behavior also have close alignment with depression and perhaps you need to look at am I actually depressed or maybe you're burnt out and need to assess that. The reality is bed rotting often has more root causes like depression or deeper mental health challenges we should look at. If we can't get out of bed or stuck in bed all day, this is not a healthy habit for us to continue on a regular basis and should be addressed.

More bed rotting videos:

Published books:

Have a question you need answered? Join my channel & access more perks:

Therapy:

Social:

Partnerships:

[cruelangelik]

“True self care is about creating life you don’t want to escape from” YES 👏👏👏

[ryana]

Yes, it is depression. I have been struggling with this. I see a therapist to try and help get chores done. I don't know if there are videos on lethargy, but breaking up the tasks does help. Usually getting out of the house at least once is helpful for mental health.

[WorkingMan]

Bed rotting, doom scrolling, avoiding yourself and your inner discomfort seem to be often found together. ❤

[sfletch]

I want to add a caveat that some disabilities and chronic illnesses do require more bedrest in order to improve symptoms and increase daily functioning. However, like you said, mindful rest is key, and I get the impression that this is not the type of rest that is being advocated for by a lot of the proponents of the bed-rotting trend on social media.

[ElkayLive]

Loneliness, depression and some form of betrayal and/or the feeling of being outcast at some point in ones life might cause this.

[leonievh]

If I stay to much in bed then it makes my depression worse so I learn to keep myself busy instead even if I feel like not doing anything

[madisonburke]

I think your nuanced dialogue around bed rotting is quite valuable and I am so sorry a bunch of incredibly rude and unkind people chose verbal abuse to express they disagreed with your opinion. Thank you for still making such informative and well thought out videos in spite of the sometimes cruel nature of social media! We can all disagree on something and still be respectful.

[djchaiwallah]

Been struggling to get out and work because I've had the ability to take time off and drive for a living but I noticed on this break it makes me feel better getting out and working. Lost my Mom, a dog, and my best friend in the last 4 years and previously diagnosed with PTSD so sitting at home prolonged periods actually reminds me of the days I was too depressed to leave the house even though I am totally happy and love where I'm at

[Drpermer]

I agree with you 100%. We all.know that improving depression requires some movement and doing.

[arrow-bv]

This is so real I’m glad Katie is talking about it because it should not be normalized. It really looks more like a depression than a coping mechanism we can’t be in bed all day. Amazing video 💗

[debbiemcconnaughay]

As someone who struggles with mental health issues, I wouldn't have a problem with this trend if we didn't tend to take everything to extremes as a society in general. Also, since part of my mental health issues cause seizures, there are some days when I end up in bed frequently to recover after an episode. So I get having to spend time doing nothing or even sleeping to let your body heal or recharge. That being said, I think the problem with this trend is that most TikTok videos or shorts on other platforms don't encourage moderation. Self-care is different for everyone, but use various techniques and remember that moderation is key, just like everything else in life. Think of it like alcohol. If someone goes out for a couple of drinks once or twice a week to hang with friends and relax, great, but once you start drinking to the point it interferes with your life and your responsibilities, it's a problem.

[Kattpt]

been there in bed too many times, all I can say is it makes back pain worse, sleeping patterns worse, miss out on real life, and after the day is over I can say that I've don't feel any better

[kathleenzea]

I have a hard time feeling something purposely called "rotting" is positive.

[kimlec]

Resting & retiring from the crazy world is ultimately sensible.

[lindsayjackson]

I have battled anxiety and depression for years. 16 years ago, I tried to take my life. I'm stronger and more self-aware now. One of my FIRST RED FLAGS is that urge to lay in bed and not face or deal with anything. I make myself get up, walk outside, each out to a friend, etc. Just be careful. The brain is so powerful. Sending love ❤

[chazcazz]

It could be being stuck in freeze mode

[aeh]

Speaking as a therapist myself, it could be depression. It could be burnout, anxiety, chronic fatigue, medical issues, sleep disorders… in short if you’re doing this a lot check it out with your doctor

[JessicaMillerNashville]

Sometimes we'll be out and about one event after the next engagement, tons of social interactions and time with people so bed is where I want to go on as Sunday! I'm pretty introvert so after a lot of socializing I get so tired or staying up late and the weekend is a great time to take a day to chill. I get up to cook or get snacks, that's about it! I usually wake up happy, super energized and refreshed the next day and I become like the energizer bunny accomplishing way more than I would have if I didn't fully rest. For me, it works!

[morganashacurrie]

for me it comes from ADHD burnout/paralysis more so than depression. although it has been caused by depression in the past

[mirandathetempest]

I do this but I DO NOT think it’s good!!! My depression is real and I’m fighting it left and right. I’m in total agreement with you Kati!