I feel like I have no life. I feel like for all my life I have given to make others happy and now everyone I know expects that from me. They do not realize, even when I tell them how I feel, that I have needs too. They do not want to care how I feel. They do not want me to feel. If I feel then they will not have all the things I have been giving. I can no longer give everything I have to others. It leaves me empty and dead inside. I have no energy, I can no longer even sustain myself. I can't talk to anyone. No one really cares. No really wants to hear it. I have an adult child who needs meds, funny that she can get them and my help with her kids.. and she does need it... but no one sees that I too need help. I am screaming out loud... literally... I can't find my way back to life.
I am like everyone's cute little puppy who gets a pat on the head when I say how I feel... aw poor thing... pat on head... exit.. left alone... with eveyone else's reponsibilities... since I can't work after all... it is only right... right?

Sorry to hear about your trouble. Sometimes others do not think of the ones they lean on as being in need of anything, but like yourself you know you need someone sometimes. Other peoples problems can also drag you down. Have you made the people who depend on you aware in plain english that you can not handle it all? If so it is time that you make them stand on there own. Make them stand accountable for themselves. This also takes work from you, you have to say I can not do this today, and make plans for yourself. Take the time out for yourself. Take a walk, if you think they will try and make you feel guilty, then don't give them a reason why you can't or won't do something. If people want to constantly tell you their problems just say hey you know today is not a good time maybe we can discuss this later or just say I can't deal with your drama today, handle it yourself. I'm not sure if you are depressed but if so try and see a doctor or mental health person, at least you could discuss the effects everyone is having on you and maybe they could help you to deal with them. I believe sometimes people get wrapped up in themselves that they become their biggest problem. I use to be like you and try to help everyone, let everyone take advantage of me and listen to everyone's problems. It got to the point that when they were home sleeping I was laying in bed worrying about their problems. Now I am different. I am different because I physically could not handle it, my chest started hurting, I had headaches, depression, I had it all, and it all came from others. I am now a strong believer that you live in the life you create and allow. I like to think of that song by Alabama ( she and I live in our own little wolrd) That is me know. I take can of my family and limit what I get involved in and to what extent. Life is nice now, and I still have a lot of the same friends as before just not all the drama. I hope this helps and please know that you are not alone even though it seems like it. Just think how would all them people handle themselves if you could not solve all their problems, usually it turns out that they do fine they just have to be make to do it. Best of luck, take time for yourself, look at life different and enjoy it. If you need someone to talk to you can e-mail me sometimes I don't check mail but once a day. Hope this helps and please remember just my opinion.

TJ,
Thanks for the wise words, I had been thinking along those lines too, but it can be hard to put your foot down sometimes.
I am also dealing with a work comp thing too so that is depressing me. They are so impossible to deal with.

Oh yes you sound just like me. I have been dealing with workers comp in the state of virginia for over two years now. They are terrible plus I don't know what state you are in but Virginia is a commonwealth state and you really have to fight for workers comp. I have had two surgeries from my accident and now have just received my permeance rating and have life time restrictions. I know it can be very frustrating but hang in there and don't let them off the hook. I still am not back to work and the company does not want me back either so I know. I get depressed just from not being able to do like I use to. I have just decided to let God handle it and he does, cause I can not deal workers comp. It has all worked out for two years besides the headaches but the results are good. If you need any advice or just some one who kind of knows e-mail me. You are not alone believe me. No wonder you are stressed out workers comp alone is enough to do that Good luck and hope it all works out. Turn it over to God and watch him work, sometimes that is the only way I know how to handle it.

All that anger is really bringing you down and making you miserable and depressed. There has to be a way to lessen your pain right away.

Turn all the people you have been taking care of, turn these people over to "God"(your belief). They simply are not your responsibility any more, they have to take care of themselves. Don't take them back!

Don't take your problems to these people, get support from a good friend or therapist. They are not going to be helpful or loving.

Find something constructive and enjoyable to do every day. Take exercise every day. Take time to quiet your mind and meditate... clear your mind, relax, your natural positive impulses will come to the surface. :)

Best wishes,

Hang on there sweetheart. You sound just like my wife. She says that several times every week. She works hard, I don't I'm disabled. But I pay the rent and the bills. I do the cooking, cleaning and laundry. And I paid for her dream to go back to school. She is now a nurse's aid at a nursing home taking care of people and she loves it. But she doesn't see the paradox in her situation. What I'm trying to say is some people are givers and some are takers. You sound like a giver. Yes its hard and frustrating dealing with some people but you, only you, have the sensitivity, the empathy and the strength to deal with the people around you. You won't be able to change them but you will try. Everyday you will try to change the world and fail. But you will get up in the morning and do it all again. I personally would give up. But not my wife. She would hang in there until the bitter end. And bitsh at me all the way. I envy the way she is. She has something that I lack. I know it but I don't know what it is. The world needs people like you. Hang in there. You are one of the chosen.

Thanks for the encouraging words. I have been trying to get my life back, but I know it won't be the same life I had before I was injured. That is OK. It's OK because I know in the long run, it will be even better. I am just going through this experience to learn from it. Yet sometimes, like everyone else in this world, I feel down and broken.