Empathy fatigue and depression . . .

[alliematt]

Today I have a bad case of empathy fatigue and I feel depressed. (I took some Advil PM last night and I feel groggy this morning.)  A LOT of my Facebook friends aren't happy with election results.  I'm trying not to fight with people and I want to empathize with anyone who is angry or hurting.  But I am having a lot of trouble coming up with the energy to do it. 

Yesterday also, my son was constantly obsessing on CSI:NY (a show he's just discovered) and when I hear comments on the exact same subject over and over and over, I get very tense, especially because I'm trying not to yell at him.  (He has autism.  This is a manifestation of the autism, obsession on certain subjects.) 

Sometimes I feel as if I have to respect/show empathy for others, but I don't always feel I get the same treatment from others, i.e. empathy for my feelings. 

 

[Three Roses]

 

I've limited my time on Facebook recently. I don't comment, react, "like" or "dislike" any post that's political in nature.

Also, I find that humor helps me sort of shake off any negative emotional effect I pick up from there. Sometimes, the darker the humor, the better. 

[sanmagic7]

empathy can be draining, even if it's a wonderful thing most of the time.  i've had to pick and choose on this forum how much and with whom i interact.  i wish i could open my arms and heart to everyone here, but that won't work.  and, as i'm feeling sicker, i'm pulling back even more.  i believe we have to pace ourselves even (maybe especially) with giving.

and may i give you a big hug and let you know you're not alone, you don't have to reach out to everyone, and people can get along with their lives without you at times.  actually, i think it's important that they do. 

and this election has been almost traumatic from the beginning.  the results, for many people, even more so.  everyone has to find his/her/their own balance with all this.  it's disturbing to me that so many who were against all the hate-mongering are now participating in it themselves.  sad, but it is what it is.  we'll deal with whatever comes down the pike.  we always have.

[alliematt]

Sanmagic, I'm sorry that your illness, whatever it is, is getting worse. 

[sanmagic7]

thanks, alliematt.  i do believe i finally have a handle on it and a way to make it better.  it may not get fully fixed, but i have a plan and hope now that i didn't have before, and that feels good all by itself.