Theland quotes 'self-sacrifice', but if we view helping others as self-sacrifice, then in reality, in our own minds, we see ourselves as martyrs. Attitude of mind in this life is all-important, but with that attitude we will always see our cup as half-empty rather than half full.
Self-obsession is selfishness, and creates dissatisfaction with life, often leading to depression. The 'poor me' syndrome is destructive. God has been mentioned here, but religion is also a vehicle that produces self-obsession, because, although some people of religion do tremendous work for those less fortunate, in the main, it's all about 'saving me'. If we can only take the time to look beyond ourselves, to count our blessings, to treat others as we would wish to be treated - and to offer our services to those who need help more than we do, then our own troubles become insignificant, and the resulting rewards to our own sense of well-being are enormous. In whatever circumstances we find ourselves, peace of mind is the most precious thing we can experience, but we'll never find that if we're self-obsessed because we will never be satisfied, and therefore we will never achieve our full potential.
Octavius, still pining for that brunette you met at Lourdes, eh?