Hi Poppet -- I understand.

Mental illness is not to be talked about in my family, either.

I like what you have to say about remembering that people just are where they are. My concern, is not, however, that I must believe that I helped someone or be acknowledged in some way. I just feel sad when a person is not able to respond to the love and caring expressed for them -- not just by me.

Kinda like seeing a homeless person, giving a dollar, and sadly knowing that a dollar wasn't enough to really make a different for that person. It tugs at the heart not be able to relieve the pain.