https://forums.beyondblue.org.au/t5/relationship-and-family-issues/sometimes-feels-like-i-m-not-allowed-to-be-happy/m-p/430010#M32426 <P>Hi HeavyMetalDude, </P> <P>Definitely a thing. My psychologist calls it 'Over functioning'. We are doing a lot of work around self care and knowing when to stop giving. I understand how hard it is though - especially when it is your family that you are caring for. The guilt can be overwhelming. </P> <P>Sorry I haven't figured out an off switch for it yet. I do find that doing mindfulness exercises sometimes helps me when the guilt threatens to overwhelm me, especially when I am trying to sleep. I tend to use the Smiling Mind app, but I have also heard good things about Headspace. </P> <P>Jess</P> Sun, 21 Oct 2018 23:04:49 GMT jess334 2018-10-21T23:04:49Z https://forums.beyondblue.org.au/t5/relationship-and-family-issues/sometimes-feels-like-i-m-not-allowed-to-be-happy/m-p/430009#M32425 <P>How much giving is too much? </P> <P>This is what I've been pondering over the last couple of years. I have a family of takers. I know it's better to be a giving person, I pride myself on being that guy. I don't want anything in return. I just want to be happy. </P> <P>Im exhausted. There's nothing left for me at the end of each day. And when I do something for myself I carry a truck load of guilt with me. </P> <P>Is that called a thing? </P> <P> </P> Sun, 21 Oct 2018 21:10:38 GMT https://forums.beyondblue.org.au/t5/relationship-and-family-issues/sometimes-feels-like-i-m-not-allowed-to-be-happy/m-p/430009#M32425 HeavyMetalDude 2018-10-21T21:10:38Z https://forums.beyondblue.org.au/t5/relationship-and-family-issues/sometimes-feels-like-i-m-not-allowed-to-be-happy/m-p/430010#M32426 <P>Hi HeavyMetalDude, </P> <P>Definitely a thing. My psychologist calls it 'Over functioning'. We are doing a lot of work around self care and knowing when to stop giving. I understand how hard it is though - especially when it is your family that you are caring for. The guilt can be overwhelming. </P> <P>Sorry I haven't figured out an off switch for it yet. I do find that doing mindfulness exercises sometimes helps me when the guilt threatens to overwhelm me, especially when I am trying to sleep. I tend to use the Smiling Mind app, but I have also heard good things about Headspace. </P> <P>Jess</P> Sun, 21 Oct 2018 23:04:49 GMT https://forums.beyondblue.org.au/t5/relationship-and-family-issues/sometimes-feels-like-i-m-not-allowed-to-be-happy/m-p/430010#M32426 jess334 2018-10-21T23:04:49Z