[Jenn1fer82]

How do I not allow my surroundings and the people in my life from affecting me? I'm trying so hard to take better care of myself but I find myself so easily drawn to the conflicts in my life. I'm going through personal health issues and in the process of going through intensive testing and medication. I've cut back on my hours at work and dropped a couple of my classes to help me focus and to take better care of myself. All my life I've always took on the role as the care giver for my family. Either is trying to resolve any conflicts or just taking care of them. I find it so difficult to pull myself away from something that has been so normal and a routine to me for so long. What is it that I need to say to myself or to do for myself, to finally put my foot down and know when enough is enough. I need to learn how to take better care of myself especially when my physical health is demanding it.

[EJ711]

Jennifer -

Very enlightening comments -- I wish you well.

Hugs,
Jane

Jennifer, asking the questions means that you're aware of your situation. that is a huge first step. write down a list of what you need and what others need. then go over it and be brutally honest and decide what they can do for themselves. then turn back to yourself. love, pat

[(JD)]

The way we are takes time to change, as we didn't "just happen" to look at things the way we do. Be easy on yourself, sounds to me like you are on the right path

Jen1fer82 Hi and welcome to psych central. What helps me is paying attention to how I feel. At the first sign that I am uncomfortable around other people I excuse myself and find a restroom where I can just take a few minutes to relax myself. As for situations again I pay attention to how I feel. at the first sign that something doesn't feel right I stop that activity and find something relaxing to do. I know I can't control everything and everyone around me but grounding and taking a break helps me alot.