[altonwoodsdrphil]

i want to lay this out as plainly as possible to you,i am wondering if theres anything i'm not understanding about my behavior. i am a person who likes very much to engage people in conversations about myself(if they're interested,well,are you?) but primarily about them and they're situations/problems. i have no training whatsoever,and yet seem to actually help people.i get a lot of fullfillment out of doing this and it never gets me down listening to people.i believe that doing this is using the best aspects of who i am and that,well,i was born to do it.here are some of my questions, how much of what i do is motivated by a need i have for attention? or something other than a genuine concern for people. i have my own issues that i deal with,is this my way of avoiding them or stuffing them? i wonder if i'm suffering from some variety of mania, i mean look at me,i'm here,doing this,why? its important that i feel as though my ducks are in a row,i would'nt want to counsel anyone if i thought i was really not in a position to truly help them. here on this site i know that there are people who understand what i mean,and might have an opinion about what i've said at any rate,thank you for reading this.

[tranquility]

I think you are perfectly normal! I also enjoy counseling others or helping them out. Most psychiatrists and therapists picked that profession because of their own personal issues.

I think it's because it's something we are familiar with and we know. We are also very good at giving advice to others but not taking our own advice

Don't worry - your okay!

Tranquility

[(JD)]

I think you can share here at PC like the rest of us, from a personal point of view, from experiences of our own or of our friends and family. As a result of sharing, you will also receive support and healing too. It is a win-win situation.

[sassypants]

I also think you are normal. Nobody would go out of their
way to help people, if it was a genunine gester. I would
feel proud that you go out of your way to help people.

I also try to help people by asking them in stores if they
are in a wheelchair, could I help them get something for them.Or anyone who looks like they need help. For me it is
a given nature, because I love helping people,even though
I am depressed.That's weird isn't it?

I wish you well and sending you a hug!

[altonwoodsdrphil]

thanks to all of you! sometimes its hard to discern between obsessive/compulsive behavior and the relentless pursuit of passion.

[Direction]

If you are like me...helping others...helps me also...better understand myself and others.

[sabby]

Phil,

I love to help other people...I gain so much satisfaction when I'm able to help someone in need. I've always said that I receive so much more than I give and it fills my heart and soul.

We all have our own issues we have to deal with. That's why we're here isn't it? From communication comes understanding and learning. I have learned more here than I ever dreamed possible.

You are normal Phil....no worries there

Hugsss
J