I don’t know how to deal

[legallystressed]

my job basically requires I take my clients problems on as my own (family lawyer). There is no end to it. Nights weekends it never stops and I don’t know how to deal with it anymore. I am sympathetic bc I understand how hard this is for them but it’s so difficult to take on everyone else’s problems when I can’t even handle my own. I don’t have any family and only like two friends who have lives of their own. I guess I’m looking for any tips on how to deal (career change isn’t an option)

[Hidden]

Ooh gosh this seems like such a hard career. Maybe you need a break until you heal yourself? Or maybe a counsellor to help you manage through it.

It’s a hard one and I’m sorry you’re struggling . Take care of yourself so that you can take care of others.

[legallystressed in reply to Hidden]

Thanks I have a therapist but unfortunately im a solo practitioner so I can’t take a break☹️

[Hidden in reply to legallystressed]

Oh damn that’s a shame . maybe find ways to zone out even if it’s just a hour a day . Nothing is more important than your health x

[Hidden]

Hi, there is a great book called Boundaries by Cloud and Townsend.

[legallystressed in reply to Hidden]

Thank you I will check that out

[dangerous_rose]

I sort of understand where you're coming from. I'm a residential assistant at college and its a little stressful in the same way because my job is basically being a 24 hour friend/resource for people. I get hit with random problems, mediations, etc. I definitely don't do what you do, but maybe this will help:

Take some time out for yourself everyday. During that time, meditate, breathe, journal, draw, or simply reflect in general. Doing something to "ground" yourself to your own reality may help. Also don't be too hard on yourself, maybe it's time for a break as others suggested. Hope this helps you. Much love

[legallystressed in reply to dangerous_rose]

Thank you meditation is probably a good idea

[sherril2291]

Is there something you enjoy doing that causes you to lose track of time, in a good way? Invest yourself as much as you can doing that when you're not working. And unless you have to go to actually go to the courthouse (or jail) for one of your clients, is there a way you can leave work at work when you get off? I'm a foster care worker - I get it - my families could suck me dry if let them, but I'm adamant about leaving work at work, and allowing my families to contact me during my off hours only in the case of TRUE emergencies. Start having some fun!! You're going to burn out early if you don't start appreciating and enjoying life!

[Hidden]

Be careful, I retired from being a hospital chaplain 15 yrs. and a funeral director for 13 yrs. I had a life like yours, hypercholesterolemia, CAD,CHF, hypertension, anxiety, MDD, bipolar 2, triple bypass and then had a nervous breakdown, went to emergency, psych ward, 4 yrs. of therapy now, was diagnosed with PTSD(compassion fatigue). Burned out. No more to give, hardly anything for myself. Hope you found some peace.