I find it is hard due to:::
1) Catrules, BipolarBug, myself and so many others-- Realized something is not quiet right, and went to try to get some help or currently in help..

And 2) just personally At least in my case - Both of my parents, and a sibling, refuse to get help and neither one of my parents will acknowledge they may need help-- "To need help is a weakness, to get help is a failure in their eyes"... It is hard for me to find full empathy in such a thinking pattern; especially after they have lived twice as long as I have and have seen results from their actions and ways.. I may not be in therapy right now, but I tried it, and I continue to take what I can from readings and mind sets. I still am flawed but I am trying...

it is hard to have full empathy when people don't try.. It is more of annoyance with me when they realize and say "I want help" but refuse to stop things in their life style to make a change. just saying... perhaps I am too harsh at times.

But if I think of it in angles sometimes, -- I can find empathy- It took me years to find empathy for my mother, but yet I have... doesn't mean that we talk, or what not, or that always have empathy for her for what she does when I hear from my sisters, but understanding a part of her side helps with a little empathy.

Sorry for the ramble, and sorry for the struggle- it is one that is torture some times. be well and I hope you find peace.