FORUMS

Connect with people who understand what you are going through, seek advice and surround yourself with support. We're free, anonymous, and professionally moderated 24/7.

  • 47,612Members
  • 1,358,869Posts
  • 1,400,000Visitors
Our stories

How to accept help after a life of helping others

How to accept help after a life of helping others

I'm in my mid 50's and have had careers in the helping professions most of my adult life. Listening to friends and family, and even strangers on the street has been an habitual trait I can't seem to shake.

I feel a little broken at the moment trying to avoid situations where I'm used as a sounding board for 'their' problems. My own issues are on top of me and when I try to voice my concerns, a common answer is; "You think that's bad, what about me?" I then listen and engage as usual and leave the conversation feeling ignored and alone.

I wouldn't say I'm homebound, but close enough to it to feel scary and stuck. I call Lifeline sometimes for another voice in the room (I live alone) and it's mostly productive, but it doesn't replace close connections I crave; especially to discuss happy or up-lifting topics.

I was hospitalised this year and found it exasserbating being the one who needed support. I ended up listening to other patients and ignoring my own needs.

Even now I'm tempted to read posts and reach out to help.

How do I resist this temptation and focus on my own life?

Hope

268 replies

131 - 140 of 268
1...131415...27

In response to: How to accept help after a life of helping others

Re: How to accept help after a life of helping others

Dearest @Sahara and @Corny

What you've both written is highly worthy of response, however the med's I took early a.m. has left me with a hangover effect. I got up at around 4:30pm after broken sleep due to a couple of interruptions.

I'll endeavour to reply as soon as my mind can cope ok. Crying to ease a worn mind helps, but when the body cries it's therapeutic beyond words even though the after effect's are wearysome.

Thankyou both for caring...

Love Hope xo

In response to: How to accept help after a life of helping others

Re: How to accept help after a life of helping others

Morning @Corny

Knowing you're thinking of me is comforting; thankyou. Back atcha lovely. When you click with someone, it helps to ease worrisome times even when distance keeps us at bay.

I remember my bubble well; it saved me from myself as well as the outside world and was a necessary component during the early years of recovery.

Your situation seems overwhelmingly detached. I really feel for you as touch, conversation first thing in the morning and a shoulder to lean on make a world of difference. (And you're right about 'couples' not comprehending this concept). I rely on this forum each a.m. to fill at least one of those gaps and open the house no matter the weather to hear the sounds of nature. This grounds me for the day...

Friendship? I don't have friends as such; too high maintenance. Dealing with myself is a full time job, so there's not much else to share around. Sis #3 is the best friend I've ever had; we only see each other every other month. Familiararity breeds contempt they say; she had a lot to deal with during my days of madness. The fact she still visits is testament to her beautiful qualities.

And as for relationships? Well, you know my history with that. I've come to promote and accept flying solo as my norm than be tormented by what-if's and characters who seek out vulnerability for their own gratification. Nuff said...

I wish I could relay the moment I changed from obsessing over my mental health, to a mindset of simplicity and living in the moment. There've been 'moments' of course, but not one in particular that stands out. A theme would probably be getting out of my head and into my physical body. I wish this for you in so many ways my sweet.

My 'episode' 24 hrs ago was a stark reminder of the illness that has hold of me. Though talking with Lifeline I was grounded, self aware and open to suggestions. The conversation was nice with plenty of empathy and reality. It was my trip down memory lane that provoked heartache; a physical sensation in my chest that required releasing. My body alerts me to unexpressed emotion; she's a friend indeed. Ergo...crying deeply to out that pain.

The term 'mental illness' doesn't express the totality what we endure as it's a physical illness as well. We're 'whole' when it comes to healing; not just a brain and nervous system. That's what's gotten me over the line when it mattered. (It's really not healthy to look behind me anymore)

I'll keep an eye out for the Rainbow Movies as I love going to the cimema. Thanks for the heads up!

Well, the house and life beckons Cornstar! I see my accountant today. (Breathing deeply) Edging closer to realising my dream.

Love Hope xo

In response to: How to accept help after a life of helping others

Re: How to accept help after a life of helping others

Good morning to you too @Sahara

Thankyou for popping by and supporting me. I hear you loud and clear. Yes, releasing emotional pain from our bodies is necessary for growth, but I feel it's also trapped memories and 'guilt' that causes this congestion.

Once I realised obsessing over memories of my dysfunctional responses to situations (why didn't I scream or fight?) as well as the actions of others was killing me, my healing journey really kicked in. I'm not talking about judgement; it's more a matter of practical self assessment, undoing learned behaviour and creating more functional ways of responding/surviving. It's also accepting those who hurt me are very wounded as well.

It's empowering to know, how I coped was normal considering my grooming during childhood, adolscence and adulthood. It's also empowering to finally understand, accept and promote 'choice' re me first. That was a biggie to get my head around.

What triggered me? Facing a business providing counsel and advise to those who're going through what I have. One memory I spoke of to the Lifeline consultant really hit home. That's the curse of cptsd I'm afraid. So organising someone to debrief with in the future is part of my business plan and to-do list. I made an appt with my psych to discuss.

This process (self assessment, identifying what I need to change and then creating better habits) has become automatic; my new norm. 4 years ago I could never have imagined such peace existed.

I can't change others, but I can change the way I respond to them. That's my grace...

Lovely chatting with you @Sahara. Hope to hear from you soon...

Love Hope xo

In response to: Re: How to accept help after a life of helping others

Re: How to accept help after a life of helping others

@Former-Member@Sahara@Corny@Sophia1@Shaz51@Appleblossom@TAB@Zoe7

I'm taking a few moments this arvo to shoot the breeze because I'm busting at the seams; I saw my accountant yesterday who's given the go-ahead for my business. Yay!!! It seems I already have an ABN from many years ago, so it's now active again. Being a sole trader there's quite a few perks too.

Centrelink will lose me! Awwe...double yay!!!

I had so many doubts walking in there, but was smiling ear to ear leaving. It's not as complex as I'd thought. Sigh of relief...whew

I'm getting the house up-to-date this week; that means throwing out anything I don't want or haven't used in a couple of years. Hoarder's war-cry...aaahhhhh!! Creating space to organise everything is what's been missing for me. It's so symbolic of how much garbage I've dealt with over the past 4 years.

It's going to be a major project as my shed and back deck are also cluttered with, well you know, stuff I 'might' use one day. ha-ha I'm just keeping essentials and even getting rid of books, CD's and DVD's. Yep...they gotta go I'm afraid. Salvo's and Library will be on bent knees thanking me. Sis wants me to have a garage sale, but that's too much work and worry.

I'm motivated and smiling on the inside too; that's what it's all about yeah? 2019 is my year to celebrate lovlies!

xo

In response to: Re: How to accept help after a life of helping others

Re: How to accept help after a life of helping others

Way to go @Hope4me - it seems like you have everything in hand and achieving a lot - that is awesome

In response to: Re: How to accept help after a life of helping others

Re: How to accept help after a life of helping others

Way to go @Hope4me

that is soo awesome

Being a sole trader there's quite a few perks too.-- I agree my friend

In response to: Re: How to accept help after a life of helping others

Re: How to accept help after a life of helping others

Thanks heaps @Zoe7 and @Shaz51

I really needed to tell someone; I was going to explode if I didn't. I'm a bit more grounded now as I had a nanna-nap.

Anyways, I've waited a long time for this feeling. I appreciate you guys sharing it with me...

Hope xo

In response to: Re: How to accept help after a life of helping others

Re: How to accept help after a life of helping others

It is great news all around for you @Hope4me and is wonderful to hear - so good that you could share it with us here

In response to: Re: How to accept help after a life of helping others

Re: How to accept help after a life of helping others

so good that you could share it with us here ohhh yes anytime @Hope4me

Hello @Sahara, @Corny, @Zoe7

In response to: Re: How to accept help after a life of helping others

Re: How to accept help after a life of helping others

It is fabulous news. Congrats.

Lovely to share in it and read your post.

@Hope4me

Happy Dance

Looking forward to the steps as you move forward.

131 - 140 of 268
1...131415...27