I make a lot of friends in school. When I graduate, I ask their phone numbers. But only two returned my calls. True friends are not easy to find. Keep helping people someone will return their kindness.

Hi Walkwithme,

It's too bad that you are absorbing other's problems so easily, and it's so easy to do so because so many are troubled these days, it's pitiful.

Peterthegreat is right; keep helping and some will return kindness.

Suffice it to say that you try to help, and there are way too many stories out there that's just plain lies, and some will lure you into a subject that has no beginning nor will it ever end; you just have to season yourself with experience of failures and disappointments, which is what has helped me. Most of my family are liars, con-artists, murderers and beggars. I should thank them for teaching me how to deal with the specifics of deceit :-) Not funny either, but a sense of humor helps to pull me out of junk ideas about them. I want to keep a friendly attitude.

One tip for you, if you want to see others flee before you, and leave you out of their strong issues, mention God or the Bible to them, this way is very successful for shutting down the "sly foxes" (these are people who are just seeking for a place to dump strong personal issues of which they've chickened out on finding the courage to do the groundwork and overcome) Not worth it for you to bother with lame losers; they have their own way of doing things, and they only want attention, not good sound advice. Think of yourself first, especially when you are left broken or walked over. When it doesn't feel good, avoid the situation.

Lots of hugs to you today! Much love as well :-)

@walkwithme,

Good for you for recognizing your flags and feelings and seeking support ASAP before allowing it to spiral out of control! I am proud of you!

Now to what you report as the cause of your depression...when you say depression, do you mean diagnosed depression or situational as a result of your extension of kindness?

Regarding your empathy and absorption of others emotions (Empath)...kindness is rare, special, and what God instructs us to extend to others so you are doing the right thing (that most people do not do). That amazing quality of yours is not the problem! The solution is to set boundaries to be kind and protect yourself so that you can be of continued support as a result of not taking it on.
Yes, this is possible!
Here is an informational site to learn more about this and how to manage to protect yourself.

https://drjudithorloff.com/how-to-know-if-youre-an-empath/

Praying that helps!

Being empathic is either a blessing or a curse. To feel emotions from others, those in need, the pain they feel, you feel, you want to help and you do. But when it's the other way around, they don't feel your pain which makes it worse because you cry out to deaf empathic ears. If you can take solace in some of that, that some ignore you ignorantly because they don't have your gift. There are some here that suffer the same and can relate and help

What people will do in given situations vary. If you ask people who became ill, they'd say they were surprised, some people they thought were close did not help, while others did. I think you give someone a chance, but if they disappoint you, then you rethink.

Otherwise, recognize people vary. When I got married, one of my wife's family asked me for advice. I was complimented and took some time to analyze her situation. . However, she did not listen and I realized that I was just one of several people who she talked to. We're still friends but I usually limit advice, but I cannot say I'm upset. .Just realize people vary.