Wanting to be the hero in certain situations can be a good thing, but not all the time.
The saviour complex, also dubbed the messiah complex or white knight syndrome, is a state of mind and not an official medical diagnosis. WebMD explains that if someone has a saviour complex, they may feel destined to save others or feel responsible for helping others.
People who have a saviour complex do not always have pure intentions when it comes to the rescue. The publication states that if someone’s intentions to help another are genuine, they may want to pay attention to overdoing it, as even the kindest actions can be mentally or physically harmful.
On the other hand, if someone is helping another to boost their ego and their actions cause harm, it is a sign to seek help.
The publication also states that men may be more likely to help when their physical strength is needed, whereas women tend to help people through nurturing.
Below are signs of a saviour complex, provided by WebMD.
Hoarding animals: If a person has a lot of animals but is unable to properly care for them, they are not doing what is in their best interests.
Codependent: If someone feels responsible for another person’s needs, they may be prone to experience a saviour complex. Such people may even feel the need to save people they do not know.
Knowing what is best for others: This sort of feeling may lead to an irrational impression that the person is helping others. What one might consider a good deed can possibly backfire on the person they are trying to help.
Having a delusional or mental disorder: People with megalomania (delusions of needing praise or feeling more important than they are) may be prone to a saviour complex.
