Burning out already

[Scared]

I just reply to a post and now I feeling drained by it.

I can really feel the dilema they are in and somehow the hard work they have ahead I felt as tho I was going thru it as well.

This cant be good

Has anyone else after replying felt the same by engaging in these forums or am I just not the right person to be replying to these things

I not reply to any new ones again today

[Ggrand]

Hello Dear Scared,

The same happens to me at times…people who feel a lot of empathy and compassion for others often feel this way…I’m so  sorry that happened to you….Please try hard to care for yourself first, before and after replying to posts…

Some posts can be triggering and if triggered it’s important to be looking after your mental health…take time away from the forums if needed….we have a cafe on the forums…The BB Cafe, where you can unwind…no hard topics in the cafe, just light conversations…mostly about food, but can be about anything that’s uplifting….

If you need to talk about how you’re feeling now after you replied to the post you did…Please give BB 24/7 helpline a call and talk things through with them if you’re too overwhelmed….1300 224 636 …

Sending you a caring and warm hug dear Scared…🤗..

Grandy..

[Scared]

Thanks Ggrand i will

[randomxx]

Has the same effect on me op and grandy too .

l find it totally mentally and emotionally draining even though for the few l do reply to bc of all that, l feel so much for them and the situation. Just to round it off l'm also Dyslexic which in this case means you often can't see words you've written so with no edit you can;t fix something later and getting it right is a whole nother stressor all it's own.

l find even if the thread is something l really feel for or may be of some help l still have to pass on most and the ones l do reply to have to be simplified down to an absolute bear minimum short and sweet or it's just too much.

But then l worry about coming across too simplistically but it's all actually about self preservation.

take care

rx

[Scared]

Yes I agree.

I feel I have to write more than I want to

For eg I have to add things so as not to offend others understanding of what Im saying.  So for every direct point I make I have to write something to let the reader know that what I suggest is not easy and not everyone is the same.  And instead of short sharp direct input it becomes an essay because im trying to be politically correct

[randomxx]

I hear ya believe me , tapping away on a keyboard to total strangers knowing they don't know you or so may not know what you mean is so damn tricky and very draining l find.

l can't do much here it's something l often think about passing a thread and l often think l'm sorry whoever but l'll have to leave it to those that who have the mental energy , sometimes l feel really guilty buttttt, it's for the best.

[Scared]

Good on you especially being Dyslexic

It is interesting others feel same.

Replying to posts I was getting benefit from but I guess we need to self regulate our time on here.  

[randomxx]

Thx for that op and yeah , that's it. Just roll along within your own comfort and limits, that's ok. Over reaching beyond that or becoming too involved in something too close to the heart l find will only bring me down and it sounds like it effects you similarly.

There's some saying sums it it can't remember word for word but basically if we don't look after ourselves then we're no good to anyone else anyway right.

Take care

rx

[BlueLily]

Hi Scared,

I have had very similar feelings and felt upset with some posts. When we empathise with others going through hardship, when we put ourselves in their shoes, I think we feel the same pain.

What I do in these scenarios is to reflect on them in a positives way, such as how I've overcome similar experiences or how other people have had similar hardship to mine. Or focusing on how my words could make a small or big impact on their life. 

Take care of your self..

[sbella02]

Scared, thank you for posting here. 

I've been on the forums as a Champ for about three years, and I've read/replied to a fair few posts. Some just hit a lot harder than others.

It could be for a range of reasons. The subject matter could be quite triggering, perhaps you're going through a similar situation so it rings true in a particularly scary way, or it could be that you experience their pain secondhand just through the way that they've worded something. Either way, it can be very confronting reading what people are experiencing/have experienced, especially as you're acutely aware that it's happening to them in real time somewhere out there in the world. 

This does show a deep level of empathy, which can be a great thing but also not such a great thing - a blessing and a curse, if you will. Unfortunately, highly empathetic people can struggle with their emotions, as it's easy to become emotionally invested in someone else's story. Humans in general want the best for other people, and it's tough to see people struggle. I suppose this is part of the reason I love being a Champ - it's great to be able to make a positive impact on others just through your words and sharing your own experience.

If it's affecting you profoundly, it's okay to take a step back. Your mental health is important to consider, and it may not be feasible to continue doing something if it's affecting you quite deeply. Don't feel pressured to reply to posts if you're feeling drained. As Grandy has said, the Beyond Blue 24/7 helpline is a good place to turn if you've read something particularly confronting, and you can reach them on 1300 224 636

Remember to take care, and you can reply to posts within your level of comfort on here. There's no pressure. We do appreciate your efforts and participation either way. You're doing more good than you know.

SB