[Sunflower123]

I am very sensitive and intuitive and other people's moods affect me. My daughter's moods I am particularly sensitive too. When she's down or upset I want to jump in and solve any problem she has. Her moods affect me negatively. It makes me feel bad for her and can worsen my depression when I can't help her or she won't let me. I feel responsible for her happiness.

I want to stop this over-sensitivity thing. It's really wearing on me and it's not good for me or her. Any suggestions?

[Yzen]

Sometimes it helps me to recognize and label the situation/emotions the other person is feeling. For example, rather than worry a family member is unemployed and feeling like you have to fix it, I try to label the situation like: "She is feeling frustrated because she hasn't found a job and I will encourage her and give her my support in finding one, but it is ultimately up to her." Saying that to myself seems to help my mind put distance between owning someone's problem and supporting them.

[BrazenApogee]

I'm very sensitive too. It's not all bad, I think it's really about being able to take in a lot more information than "insensitive" people. Realizing that it's information, and not something I need to change was very important for me to become more comfortable with my sensitivity. Like being able to feel a lot of what other people are going through, is like being able to hear them speak a bunch of words. I can't tell them to change their words, but I can tell them that I understand their words.

As a child of over protective parents, I think the best you can do to your daughter is to let her venture her ways, while letting her know that you will be there for her if she ever needs any help or guidance. What makes my father happy doesn't make me happy. Happiness is subjective, and if we want anyone to be happy, then we need to let him/her be happy by their own means of happiness, and be supportive of that, as long as it is legit.

[Thunder Bow]

You are not helping by Rescuing her from every problem. She is responsible for her own happiness. Give her some space, and take care of yourself. If you feel better, she may also feel better.