Stop Calling It Self-Care: Why Bubble Baths Don’t Heal Trauma

Self-care has turned into a buzzword, and honestly, most of the time it doesn’t mean anything anymore. Scroll through social media and you’ll see posts about bubble baths, candles, and spa days all being labeled as “self-care.” Sure, those things feel nice for a few minutes, but here’s the truth: bubble baths don’t heal trauma, candles don’t fix your anxiety, and wine isn’t a substitute for therapy. If you’re looking for counseling in Riverside that actually helps you work through stress, depression, or trauma, you need more than surface-level comfort. You need the kind of self-care that gets uncomfortable, challenges you, and actually moves your life forward. That’s the kind of work we believe in at Vida Emotional Wellness—what we call therapy with attitude.

The problem with the bubble bath version of self-care is that it tricks you into thinking you’ve done the work. Real self-care isn’t always relaxing or picture-perfect. Sometimes it looks like saying no to toxic people, setting boundaries with family or coworkers, going to bed on time instead of scrolling TikTok until 1AM, having the hard conversations you’ve been avoiding, or showing up to therapy when you’d rather cancel. None of that looks great on Instagram, but it’s the stuff that actually makes a difference in your mental health.

Real self-care is about doing the work your future self will thank you for. It’s not glamorous, but it’s what heals. That can mean finding real rest instead of running yourself into the ground, spending time with people who actually lift you up instead of drain you, sitting with a counselor who challenges you and helps you unf*ck the patterns that keep you stuck, and holding yourself accountable to the commitments you make to yourself. That’s the kind of self-care that actually matters.

At Vida Emotional Wellness, we know life doesn’t change with quick tips or sugarcoated advice. Our counseling in Riverside is about cutting through the fluff. We don’t just sit there and nod—we help you face the tough stuff with honesty, directness, and care. Because sometimes the most loving thing you can do for yourself is to stop numbing out, stop pretending you’re fine, and deal with the stuff that’s been weighing you down.

Bubble baths are fine. So are candles, wine nights, and Netflix binges. But if you’re serious about your mental health, you have to go deeper. You need more than temporary comfort—you need real change. If you’re ready for counseling in Riverside that’s bold, honest, and effective, reach out to us at Vida Emotional Wellness. Therapy with attitude starts here.