Feeling Overwhelmed by Empathy

I can relate to this so much. Sometimes it's very hard to remember that others problems are not ours to solve just because we feel bad for their situation. It is okay to say no. It is not only okay, but important to put yourself first. I like the saying "not my circus, not my monkeys" too.

I also have this saying- not my circus, not my monkeys. You have enough of your own issues to deal with, there's no need to go chasing someone else's monkeys!

I know what you mean. Usually that happens to me when I let too many people take advantage of me. Take some time to be yourself for a while and don't feel bad telling people no.