When I see suffering : My heart just... - Anxiety and Depre...

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When I see suffering

Starrlight profile image
51 Replies

My heart just can’t take much more. When I see a person or an animal suffer it just hurts me to the core. Today I was so triggered I became weakened and am finding it difficult to want to live. I have so much love yet sadness and anger rising up consuming me. I am too sensitive. Someone im related to someone I’m close to hating always told me I’m too sensitive and I just thought well you’re not sensitive enough but now I think I am too sensitive for this world I’m just at my limit after watching an animal suffering it just brought up my brother suffering me suffering my friends here suffering I’m just so tired. I can’t do this any more. I wonder if it would be helpful to help the animals or suffering people in some way by volunteering like I used to... but am I strong enough right now to see them suffer? Maybe right now I need to find a way to deal with my own suffering first. I don’t know I feel like a big fat mess. Thanks fir listening. ❤️

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Starrlight profile image
Starrlight
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51 Replies
Opportunity profile image
Opportunity

Here is the antidote: Random Acts of Kindness in 2020. I’m sorry you’re hurting. There is hurt. But there’s also goodness and kindness everywhere that often goes unnoticed. youtu.be/VShd1Tqd_po

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply toOpportunity

Thank you Opportunity. You know the first trigger which was a dog that I saw stuck in tar well people were able to rescue him and clean him up... so you’d think I’d feel better. But the image is stuck. But thank you I will try to focus on the happier kinder things of life.

Bhavik16 profile image
Bhavik16 in reply toStarrlight

Listen dog relaxing music. You will definitely have some improvement. 😷✍🙏

XoxoFaith profile image
XoxoFaith

Hi starlight how are you you got this you are strong Iam here with you we have our kids our family to live for Iam here for you friend

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply toXoxoFaith

Thank you my friend

hypercat54 profile image
hypercat54

It sounds like you are a 'highly sensitive person' or HSP for short. It is recognised so have a look online.

I wouldn't describe myself as HSP necessarily but I too love animals and can't bear to see them suffering. So much so that I can't watch any animal abuse programmes any more, nor can I bear to see any pictures. I avoid them instead. Ok it doesn't change things but I do feel better trying to ignore it as I can't change it.

Having said that when I was out of work and when I retired I started volunteering for an animal charity shop that looks after horses. It makes me feel I am doing my bit and my best to help them.

Even on here I occasionally see mentions of not taking dogs out for walks, or hitting them and I get so angry I have a real go at anyone doing it. Neither will I ever go to a zoo.

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply tohypercat54

Yes I think I am a HSP I like that you looked after horses.

hypercat54 profile image
hypercat54 in reply toStarrlight

Well I only work in the shop but it helps to provide money for them. It's the best I can do.

In the UK they are having a series of adverts about ill treatment of donkeys for a charity. I can't bear to look at the poor things so I don't. It distresses me too much.

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply tohypercat54

Awwww poor donkeys ... what is anyone going to help them? Hearing about them makes me want to go rescue them 😞

hypercat54 profile image
hypercat54 in reply toStarrlight

Yes me too. When I hear the last bit about them being abandoned in their old age I am ready to burst into floods of tears. :(

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply tohypercat54

A Poor poor old donkeys.

Bhavik16 profile image
Bhavik16 in reply toStarrlight

Lets go🏃

Hb2003 profile image
Hb2003

I’m at my breaking point as well yesterday was such a rough day I was crying

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply toHb2003

I am so sorry Hiba It seems like too much but we will get relief soon. I’m here for you. If there’s anything you want to talk about I’m listening.

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply toHb2003

Let’s remember our strength and pray for all that we need.

newbie1956 profile image
newbie1956

Star,

Empathy for those suffering is a virtue, a good quality💕

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply tonewbie1956

❤️

EndUser13 profile image
EndUser13

Few things in life bother me as much as seeing an animal suffer.

Maybe for this person, your standards are overly sensitive. You can't judge your life by other's standards though, no one else can ever truly know what it's like to feel the way you do.

I get frustrated with my own limitations and issues, I think we all do... try not to let your own stop you from accepting who you are.

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply toEndUser13

Beautiful yes I am happy to be me I think he never was happy I was me but that’s his problem.

EndUser13 profile image
EndUser13 in reply toStarrlight

I'm glad you see that and make the distinction between someone else's opinion and your own capabilities

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply toEndUser13

You’re right about limitations it’s okay we all have them and we work with them or around them

Mumma_h profile image
Mumma_h

Ohhh sweet sweet starlight , I’m so sorry you’re feeling this way . I don’t think you’re too sensitive I think you are very very compassionate, and you deserve compassion too. I don’t know ,I’m a bit messed up myself, I just hear your pain and I understand you !! I pray that god will perform a miracle and heal your heart. I’ve seen your posts and you just sound so beautiful and full of compassion for others !!

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply toMumma_h

Thank you Mumma_h you’ve touched my heart ❤️ I’m glad you understand me. Have beautiful moments.

Reading_Rando profile image
Reading_Rando

Being disgusted and stressed by suffering is normal and healthy. It's how a human being should respond. Your not too sensative, it's other people who arnt sensative enough. I think of empathy as a responsibility that we all have to eachother, unfortunatly there are no shortage of people who shirk this responsibility to live with the false security and comfort of easy indifference. Your not alone, I like to think that the weight of compassion feels lighter when more people carry it.

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply toReading_Rando

Omg thank you!!!!! You are right. I know now I need to keep alert as to how I can help those suffering. Then the suffering is not in vain. Thanks Reading_Rando! Hope you are well.

Florida1959 profile image
Florida1959

Get this book, hun, learn how to channel your empathic side into strength xx

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply toFlorida1959

Awesome! Thanks Beautiful ❤️ ☺️

Bhavik16 profile image
Bhavik16

I think you're very thin,aren't you.? 🤔😍

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply toBhavik16

What!? 😂

Kristinaalso profile image
Kristinaalso

I understand.. I’m also a sensitive person but don’t show it so much outwardly .. humankind and animals all need people like you ..I know it can be overwhelming..I hope you find peace and happiness soon.. volunteering sounds like a good idea if your up to it! Much love and positive thoughts sent your way!

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply toKristinaalso

I think I’ll help those in need as much as I can and when I’m well enough I’ll go back to volunteering. Much love and positivity to you too (((((((( ❤️ ((((((((( 🌈 ((((((((( 💙 (((((((((

Good_for_us profile image
Good_for_us

Hi Starlight, sorry you are going thru such a difficult time. The ‘too sensitive’ label is so rude- I get it mainly from siblings- and IMO it’s a way to try to invalidate my feelings while dismissing their hurtful behavior. It totally sucks and I’m trying to find a way to deal with it. As for the animal/people suffering- I understand that, as well. I have learned to not expose myself to too much of that, especially visual images, and to try to detach, or it stays with me too much. Take care, and know that your caring makes a positive difference in the world! 💗

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply toGood_for_us

((((((((((((((((Hug)))))))))))))) thank you sooooo!

moxond profile image
moxond

Yes it can be a very distressing situation being sympathetic to animals and of a caring nature you got to try not to be absorbing all the anxious and pain try to flipping the nature of it that we can’t always control the situations which can sometimes be beyond control and understanding some people are of a decerning nature of representation caring empathy goes a long way to help others in distressing situations and animal cruelty is a big topic in discussions and legal legislation that try and forge links to removing barriers or issues and concerns try to push through the anguish by focus on good intentions with others and understanding self awareness hope that you overcome you’re distress

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply tomoxond

Yes thank you All I can think to do for them right now in my position is to pray. Some day I want to do more.

You are not too sensitive, Starrlight, you are you and this is a lovely trait to have. We need more sensitive people in this world.

"I used to dislike being sensitive. I thought it made me weak. But take away that single trait, and you take away the very essence of who I am. You take away my conscience, my ability to empathize, my intuition, my creativity, my deep appreciation of the little things, my vivid inner life, my keen awareness of others pain and my passion for it all."

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply to

❤️ 💜 💙 💛

Jay2O profile image
Jay2O

Hi Starrlight. It is lovely that you care so much about things as you do. You have a special gift though at times it may not feel like it. Julie Bjelland runs a site where she talks of HSPs (highly sensitive persons) - being one herself. She explains things in more detail - how to cope if things sometimes seem too much - and the positives of course. Look her up. I think this may help. Just continue to be your lovely self x

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply toJay2O

That is beautiful, all you say, Jay. Thank you ❤️

underbelly profile image
underbelly

Hi Starlight,I am so new to replying to anyone at HealthUnlocked. You are the first. Too afraid to be vulnerable, to let go of my fake pride that covers my need to love and care and really be me.

Animals suffering are extremely heartbreaking for me too. I so get it. Helping, volunteering at an animal shelter, yes it seems like adding salt to the wound, however, we may ask, whose wound? My wound of sensitivity can't take it, I'm not strong enough, I have to become strong first to be able to help that wounded animal. we tell ourselves. The animal's wound may build strength in you that you never imagined possible. Dare to challenge your assumptions/fears of who you think you are and what you are capable of. The world needs you- how deeply you care; the compassion, sensitivity, fear of falling apart when you try to volunteer. It's all part of opening your heart. The more we care, the more our hearts will break over and over again. Our broken heart can't be a reason for us to shut down and stop caring, though, because it's all a part of the way life is. Believe me Starlight, the words I type here are words to myself. I'm singing to the choir. Your deep heartache touched me so much b/c it's who I am also.

I'm afraid too so I haven't done it yet, volunteered with animals that is. Your courage to be vulnerable opened my heart because it let me know there are others like meng so tran. Healing happens in community, you know.

Thank you!!! So much!!!

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply tounderbelly

You’re beautiful

Gentlespirit profile image
Gentlespirit

I so relate to what your saying and feel where your coming feom and its like yeah I wonder if I sh try to help again but I have to take carw of myself or I'm not going to make it.

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply toGentlespirit

❤️

Gentlespirit profile image
Gentlespirit

It's a deep sensitivity and feeling others pain and an animals pain too. Be patient. Be still and see what happens.

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply toGentlespirit

Yes

Florida1959 profile image
Florida1959

Sending you hugs xx

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply toFlorida1959

(((((Hugs))))

Iammesues profile image
Iammesues

I recently read that when someone tells you you’re too sensitive, it actually means I’m going to be mean to you and I don’t want you to run away- stay here so I can continue being mean

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply toIammesues

Makes sense

propjock profile image
propjock

Somebody told me that feelings are like sweating. They happen. Now what? And what does the judgy “too” add to “sensitive?” There’s a place for everyone. A first responder who is repeatedly overcome with emotion and forgets what to do is probably in the wrong line of work. But the same person, who can detect slight changes in mood in skittish animals and respond with very subtle reassurance and care, looks like a miracle worker. Being a sensitive person in this over-amplified world is hard on the sensitive person, though.

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply topropjock

Wow love this

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