Sometimes feels like I'm not allowed to be happy

[HeavyMetalDude]

How much giving is too much?

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.

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.

Is that called a thing?

[jess334]

Hi HeavyMetalDude,

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.

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.

Jess