Uncomfortable Truth #5 – Fixing

We are closing in on the end of May, which is Mental Health Awareness Month. There are so many different facets of mental health that are important, but “fixing” people is something that has been a struggle for me many times over the years. I have learned, and re-learned, how damaging this can be to my own mental health. 

Are you a natural caregiver? Do people often come to you for help with issues in their lives? It’s easy to get addicted to the feeling of being needed and wanted. However, sometimes helping other people can begin to feel like the only way to show your love/loyalty is to sacrifice your needs at the needs of others.

Here’s the short solution: share your talents and resources. Generously give your time and attention. BUT, you cannot pour a magical potion on the wounds of every person who has a problem. It’s not your job. And if it were, it’d be a terrible job because you’d fail at it every single day. Remember a healthy caregiver not only nourishes the needs of others, but also nourishes her own.