~ FEELING OVERWHELMED ~
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The social workers have named a new syndrome.
It's called "compassion fatigue."
Why does it sound so familiar?
Anne Wilson Schaef
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For most of my life I have always cared for
others, and have always been in the
caring professions. I didn't think that was
a bad thing until I was brought to my knees
and arrived at my first program meeting.
One of the character defects that I found
I had was people pleasing. Because I was
always trying to help and fix others, I also
knew that I had a problem with control and
lack of acceptance.
One of the things I am learning in the program
is that, because for so many years I had
hidden my emotions in food, there are still
many layers of the onion that I haven't even
begun to peel away. The amazing thing is that
it is only when I reach a rock bottom of some
sort that I am forced to look deeper at many
issues that I have blocked for years. What I
realize now is that I have spent so many years
of my life taking care of others that I have
forgotten to take care of me. No wonder I feel
so overwhelmed!
I'm a compulsive caregiver, but in doing that,
I have often neglected to see to my own needs.
I am so grateful that I have become open to
looking further into why I have always put others'
needs before mine, and to being able to detach
with love from many issues over which I am
powerless, so that I can take better care of me.
ONE DAY AT A TIME ...
I will remember that in order to be able to care for and love others, I must first learn to care for and love myself.