Others' Problems

[NightOwl]

How can I stop letting other people's health stop pushing me downward so much?  I guess part of the problem is I live with my parents and so I constantly see when they are having bad health.  It then causes me to get even more depressed than they are.  I can't live my own life because I spend so much time depressed based on others' situations or even if they are in a bad mood over ANYTHING I let it affect me.

[Quietartist]

Nightowl,

It can be hard to distance yourself from other people's problems.  Being sensitive, as many anxious people are, has the tendency to naturally draw on other people's moods and behaviors.  The people in your life may actually expect you to do so as they may have grown accustomed to it over time.  Sometimes it can feel like there is no escape--but there is.  What I would recommend is to find a quiet spot or activity you can go to when these feelings come on.  A place where you can dive into a book or lose yourself on a long peaceful walk.  When I feel myself drowning in negativity I go for a long walk, exercise or listen to music; anything to get my mind on the present moment and get the focus back on myself.  With a little experimentation you should learn what works for you and what activities work best in certain circumstances.  Remember, it's perfectly alright to empathize with people unless it brings you down to a place you don't want to be.  If you're not feeling good, how can you help someone else feel good?

Take care of yourself,

~ Quietartist