I remember when I first joined PC , I had just been diagnosed and was starving for first hand knowledge. I was like a dry sponge soaking it up and deciding what was helpful and not so much.

Anyway .. I became closer to a few people and we did lots of PM's.. What I now refer to as " emotional vampires" is what resulted with a couple people. I had virtually no boundaries, I didn't even know how to assemble them.

I got so caught up in things that I was making myself mentally and physically sick over things.

One of the first people I met here gave me a huge heads up and I did have to make some changes in how I related to people.. Since then I have learned ways to set boundaries and not let them fold under the weight.

In real life it is a bit harder. I can't just log out and take a break like I can here when needed.

What I have learned is I can be supportive and helpful etc etc .. But Its like the drill you learn before a plane takes off ,, First you put your oxygen mask on .. then you can help others.

Currently life has really slapped me and those closest to me around so much that some days I am not sure what to do that can really help... I do know that I have to be supportive but I cant allow everything around me to drag me into a hellish place.