Hey... not sure why I'm asking this, because I'm pretty sure there isn't an answer to this question
Okay
Here goes
How do I not get dragged down and torn apart by worrying about all these issues on ask?
Its just that, sometimes I read about all these issues people have while I'm trying to answer questions and trying to maybe help them a little, but its getting hard to deal with sometimes, reading about all this bad stuff is starting to be a problem for me, but I can't stop using the site, because I want to help people, I want to answer and try to help people with their problems, so there's my dilemma
Well, I guess I'm just venting a frustration a lot of askies go through, but oh well.

I think you need to go vent in prayer to Jesus. We can't help everybody, we can only give advice, whether the person is going to take your advice is up to them. Don't worry... theres no virtue in worry

The best we can do is offer guidance, advice, suggestions, ideas. We can offer support and clarity. And that is a lot. Sometimes people already know the right answer and they just need some encouragement to move forward. Take care and stay positive. Know you have done your best to help someone. I have worked with over 200 families and it has not stopped me from caring. I care deeply and I do everything I can to support them so that they can get out of their mess. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. It helps me to know I have done my part to resolve whatever problem there is. And I pray and work on myself to stay focused. But it hurts to see or hear about another person's suffering. I know. You can only do your best.

I give myself balance. If I answer a real serious question, then I look for one that's not so serious. If I've been sitting in front of the computer too long and have answered too many serious questions, I take a break and scoop kitty litter (just did that a few minutes ago) or wash dishes (they are soaking right now) or read one of the books I've brought home from work (a public library).

The key is balance. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, who wrote Death and Dying and developed the five stages of loss, worked in a hospice with the dying half of the day and then taught kindergarten the other half of the day. Death and Life. Mourn loss and celebrate life. She had the right idea on how to stay emotionally in balance.

cal823,

I have been answering questions on here since Nov 25, 2006. I have asked some too. Some of them like the one you just posted. You have been answering questions on here since May 10, 2007, and you probably just need a break. I have had a few breaks myself. I became quite overwhelmed a few times with the sadness and the pain in some posts, the daily struggles some people have to put up with. I often received the help of other members who simply encouraged me to take a break. You have done really well on here trying to take care of people. Now it's time to take care of you for a while.